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Nuclear Weapons

This category is for questions about weapons that use nuclear fission or fusion to gain explosive power.

3,869 Questions

Are nukes radioactive?

Yes, nuclear weapons or nuclear reactors produce radiation as a byproduct of nuclear reactions. This radiation can be in the form of gamma rays, alpha particles, or beta particles. Therefore, exposure to nuclear weapons or the fallout from a nuclear explosion can result in harmful levels of radiation.

When was implosion style nuclear device tested?

The first implosion-style nuclear device was tested on July 16, 1945, as part of the Trinity test in New Mexico, USA. This test marked the first successful detonation of a nuclear weapon.

What is the code name for the first nuclear weapons test?

The code name for the first nuclear weapons test was "Trinity." It took place on July 16, 1945, in the New Mexico desert as part of the Manhattan Project.

Did Albert Einstein help design the atom bomb?

No, Albert Einstein did not help design the atom bomb. He was a theoretical physicist who wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt urging him to research nuclear technologies, which indirectly led to the Manhattan Project that developed the atomic bomb.

What are the properties and pros and cons of using plutonium?

Applications of plutonium: • explosive in nuclear weapons • nuclear fuel in nuclear power reactors • the isotope 238Pu is used as energy source in spacecrafts or other applications (radioisotope thermoelectric generators); the chemical form is plutonium dioxide. • neutron generator, as Pu-Be source Some characteristics of plutonium are:- isotopes Pu-239 and Pu-241 are fissile
- Pu is a metal
- is radioactive
- is an artificial element
- is toxic
- is paramagnetic
- melting point: 639,4 0C
- boiling point: 3 228 0C
- heat of fusion: 2,82 kJ/mol
- Pauling electronegativity: 1,28
- possible valences: 1 to 8 (an exceptional situation)
- electron configuration: [Rn]5f67s2
- empirical atomic radius: 159 fm
- crystalline structure: monoclinic
- thermal conductivity: 6,74 W/m.K
- electrical resistivity: 1,46 μΩ.m
- density: 19,816 g/cm3

Why are nuclear bombs more destructive than convectional bombs?

Nuclear bombs release energy from the nucleus of the atom, which is held together by the Strong Force. Conventional bombs release energy from the electron cloud of the atom, which is held to the nucleus by the Electromagnetic Force. The Strong Force is thousands of times stronger than the Electromagnetic Force and thus releases thousands of times as much energy.

What is the cost price of a nuclear weapon grade uranium?

The cost of nuclear weapon grade uranium can vary greatly depending on factors such as market conditions, quantity purchased, and source of the material. However, it is generally estimated to be in the range of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per kilogram.

Can thorium be used in a nuclear bomb?

Yes, thorium can be used as a nuclear fuel in certain types of reactors, but it is not typically used in nuclear weapons. Uranium and plutonium are the primary materials used in nuclear bombs due to their ability to sustain nuclear fission reactions and to release large amounts of energy quickly.

What are the reasons why you should not use nuclear power?

Some of the reasons that we should not use nuclear power are, although it is a effective way to create a large amount of power in a short time and at relatively low initial cost, the proses of nuclear fission in which the nuclei of a group of uranium 265 atoms are split by an electron creating a chain reaction, has many disadvantages. For one, the radiation is very damaging, and it creates radioactive waste that is a devil to clean up properly. And if we were to rely on it, we would eventually have to switch to other mens because it uranium decays.

Are there nuclear power plants in Texas?

There are four operating plants per the NRC:

  1. Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 1 - Glen Rose, TX
  2. Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 2 - Glen Rose, TX
  3. South Texas Project, Unit 1 - Bay City, TX
  4. South Texas Project, Unit 2 - Bay City, TX

There are 104 plants licensed to operate in the US currently.

How much plutonium used in nuclear bomb?

In the Nagasaki bomb, about 14 pounds. Design criteria on later weapons is classified.

How many nukes would it take to blow up the world?

It is impossible to blow up the world with nuclear weapons. The detonation of all nuclear weapons on Earth would not have enough energy to physically destroy the planet. However, the global consequences would be catastrophic, leading to nuclear winter, widespread destruction, and loss of life.

Was Einstein involved in creating the nuclear bomb?

Other than writing the letter to Roosevelt at the request of Leo Szilard (who held the Nuclear Chain Reaction patent already), which got Roosevelt to begin a study committee with a budget of $6000, Einstein did not participate. Eventually the committee recommended starting a full development program, which became the Manhattan Project.

What makes up a nuclear bomb?

Depends on the type of bomb. The first nuclear weapons were fission weapons- they used a heavy metal such as Uranium or Plutonium. These metals, when compressed by explosives, would undergo nuclear fission, and break into lighter elements, releasing heat and radiation. Later, larger bombs were fusion bombs. They used a fission bomb to start the nuclear reaction, but then used that energy to FUSE light elements, such as Deuterium and Tritium into heavier elements, releasing LARGE amounts of heat and radiation.

What would be the fallout area if Chicago were hit with a nuclear bomb?

The fallout area of a nuclear bomb is influenced by factors such as bomb size, altitude of detonation, and prevailing winds. In the case of a nuclear bomb hitting Chicago, the fallout area could potentially cover a wide radius depending on these factors, resulting in devastating consequences for both the city and surrounding areas. Evacuation and sheltering would be crucial for minimizing exposure to radiation.

Can a nuke destroy a country?

Yes. 70,000 people were instantly killed at Hiroshima. Another 70,000 at Nagasaki, 3 days later. Nukes can easily wipe away big islands. Basically, nuclear bombs make extremely powerful reactions that release TONS of energy and they could easily wipe away A LOT of land.

Why is plutonium in a nuclear power sation?

Plutonium is used in nuclear power stations as a fuel in some types of reactors, like fast breeder reactors. It can undergo fission to produce energy. Additionally, plutonium can be created as a byproduct in nuclear reactors, which can then be reprocessed and reused as fuel.

What is the meaning of nuclear power please tell you?

Nuclear power refers to the process of generating electricity using nuclear reactions to produce heat. This heat is used to create steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. Nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source but comes with concerns related to nuclear waste disposal, safety, and potential accidents.

How long does the negative effects of nuclear bomb last?

Depends on conditions:

  • A typical airburst the area can usually be reentered almost immediately, if you have radiation monitors with you to look for hot spots first.
  • A surface or subsurface burst produces high levels of contamination and the area should not be entered at all until radiation monitors indicate levels are safe.

In either case you will probably require respirators to prevent inhaling alpha emitters and not eat or drink in the area to avoid ingesting alpha emitters. If you bring in outside clean water and are skilled at drinking without touching the mouth of the container with your lips that is probably OK.

See "Radiological Defense" (4 vol. set) AFSWP, 1948

How far and fast can nukes travel?

Nuclear missiles can travel intercontinental distances, with ranges varying based on the specific type and design of the missile. In terms of speed, nuclear missiles can travel at speeds of several kilometers per second, depending on the missile's propulsion system.

What did the bomb use to ignite?

Sorry- we are going to have to ask you to be more specific- your question is too broad for a meaningful answer. Early bombs used a burning fuse. Bombs in use today can be detonated by electrical or mechanical fuses in dozens of ways. Good questions equal good answers. Please rephrase yours and repost.

What happens if you have nuclear weapons?

Basically if you have nuclear weapons, I can really tell that your enemies do not want to mess around with you. If they mess around with you and want to destroy your country, you can nuke their whole entire World.

Is nuclear energy potential energy?

No, nuclear energy is not considered potential energy. Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions, such as fission or fusion, and is a form of kinetic energy associated with the movement of atomic particles.

Why does it take so much energy to produce a nuclear weapon?

Enrichment from 0.7% Uranium-235 to 93% Uranium-235 is a very energy intensive process no matter how it is done. Separating Plutonium from production reactor fuel pellets is expensive requiring special shielded remote control workstations.

Which countries have hydrogen bombs?

Countries known to have hydrogen bombs in their possession include the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. Israel is also believed to possess nuclear weapons including hydrogen bombs, though they have not officially confirmed this.