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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
What would happen if a nuclear bomb hit us?
If a nuclear bomb hit, it would cause catastrophic damage and death to the surrounding area. The bomb sends out a fire ball that destroys buildings and everything in its pathway. It also sends out radiation in the form of gamma rays that is harmful to everything around it. It is unsure the exact damage, because each individual could be exposed to different amounts.
How does the hydrogen bomb work?
A hydrogen bomb, also known as a thermonuclear bomb, uses a combination of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. The detonation of a fission bomb triggers the fusion of hydrogen isotopes (deuterium and tritium), releasing tremendous amounts of energy. This process results in a significantly more powerful explosion than a traditional atomic bomb, which relies solely on nuclear fission.
What is a nuclear power plant in mechanical?
A nuclear power plant is a power plant where nuclear reactions (which take place in a reactor core) create a lot of heat, and that heat is used as a power source (a heat source) to generate steam. The steam is then used in the conventional manner to spin electric generators to create electricity, which is then put on the power grid for distribution. There are several different designs in operation. Wikipedia has more information to get you started in your investigation.
How did Einstein help create the nuclear bomb?
Albert Einstein's only connection to nuclear weapons was to sign a letter written by Leo Szilard in 1939 that was addressed to president Franklin Roosevelt warning that Nazi Germany might be working on an atomic bomb and that the US should begin research into the subject. Einstein was a pacifist and refused to do any war or weapons related work, he spent all of World War 2 working on the equations of his Grand Unified Theory (which he never worked out by the time he died).
Albert Einstein had no idea if any action had been taken on the letter he had signed until he saw the August 6, 1945 newspaper headlines reporting the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Bikini atoll where the US tested nuclear weapons is located in which country?
Bikini and Eniwetok atolls are US protectorates in the Marshal Islands of the pacific. They are considered legally US property.
What do you do when a nuclear bomb explodes?
Seek shelter immediately in a basement or underground location, ideally with thick concrete walls. Stay inside for at least 24 hours to avoid exposure to radiation. Follow guidance from local authorities on evacuation and decontamination procedures.
How high was the atom bomb detonated on Hiroshima?
The atomic bomb was detonated about 1,900 feet (580 meters) above Hiroshima.
What does a hydrogen bomb use for its explosive power?
A hydrogen bomb uses nuclear fusion, the process of fusing hydrogen atoms together, to release a massive amount of energy. This energy release is what generates the explosive power of a hydrogen bomb.
What does the nuclear bomb do?
Without going into rigorous scientific detail, an atomic bomb works by nuclear fission. That is large atoms, namely uranium or plutonium, are split into smaller atoms in an uncontrolled chain reaction. One atom splits, neutrons from that split strike and split more atoms, which release more neutrons when they split which then split still more atoms. This releases a tremendous amount of energy all at once. Thus a single bomb, weighing no more than a few hundred or thousand pounds, explodes with the force of tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of tons of TNT.
When we look at a hydrogen bomb, which is also a type of atomic bomb, we see that it works by nuclear fusion. That is small atoms, namely hydrogen, are fused together to make atoms of helium. This releases even more energy. Thus a hydrogen bomb has a force of hundreds of thousands, or even many millions of tons of TNT. Fusion requires fantastic temeratures and pressures to occur. The only way to create those conditions is to set off one or more atomic fission bombs. Essentially, a hydrogen bomb is a nuclear fusion device that requires an fission bomb as a detonator.
For the more detailed technical answer, use the link you'll find below to the related question.
How many nukes does Russia have?
Russia has over 55000 nuclear warheads. Massive production occurred mainly after the 9/11 attack on U.S. soil. Many believe it to be in preparation for a 3rd World War.
What causes a nuclear explosion?
A nuclear explosion is caused by the rapid release of energy from a nuclear chain reaction. This can occur in a nuclear weapon when a critical mass of fissile material is rapidly brought together, leading to a highly destructive explosion. In a nuclear reactor, such an explosion is prevented through control mechanisms that regulate the nuclear reaction.
Nuclear explosion is a dangerous nuclear device that frees nuclear energy. A Nuclear explosion is a uncontrolled explosion that is a result of a collision of molecules that split apart the atom on the molecular level and emits electrons, protons and gamma radiation and causes a chain reaction as these particles collide with more atoms. This produces extreme temperature levels and shock waves. The gamma radition disappates away from the explosion and also is absorbed into the debris and smoke particles and this will travel with the wind to carry the radiation for many miles. This is called "fall out" as the particles will fall to earth and expose everything to deadly radiation levels. If the nuclear explsion is denoted under the ground on in Space the effects are different. In space, there is no atmosphere to transmit the heat and shock waves so most of the engery is dissapted in electrons and radiation. The protons/electrons will travel out and contact the earth's upper atmosphere over an area the size of the United States. The result of this collosion will be an electronic pulse that is transmitted to the earth. This Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) will travel to the surface of the earth and damage or disable most electronic devices that are not protected. This protection is similar to lightning protection but it has to be covering the device from all exposure. The EMP will also impinge on long unprotected wires and transmite an electrical spike down the wire and can damage whatever device is on the other end.
Why did superpowers develop thermonuclear weapons?
Superpowers developed thermonuclear weapons as a means of increasing their military capabilities and deterrence strategies during the Cold War. These weapons provided a significant advantage in terms of destructive power and the ability to mutually assure destruction, leading to a balance of power. Additionally, possessing these weapons allowed superpowers to negotiate from a position of strength and influence global politics.
What is the mechanism of an atomic bomb?
Severely oversimplifying it the mechanism is called rapid assembly, but there is more than one way to do it.
In fission bombs it is done with either the gun method or the implosion method.
In fusion bombs it is done with the x-ray radiation implosion method.
Does America have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world?
To destroy the planet (as in blow it into pieces), no. But to destroy all live on the surface, yes.
What year was the hydrogen bomb created?
The hydrogen bomb was first successfully tested in 1952 by the United States.
Are volcanoes are more powerful then nuclear weapons?
Volcanoes can release more energy in a single eruption compared to nuclear weapons, but nuclear weapons can have a more immediate and devastating impact due to their ability to cause widespread destruction in a short amount of time. Both can be immensely destructive in their own ways.
Advantages of nuclear weapons?
One advantage of nuclear weapons is their deterrent effect, as they can discourage other states from attacking due to the devastating consequences. Additionally, possessing nuclear weapons can enhance a country's status in terms of security and influence on the global stage. Lastly, they can provide a form of strategic leverage in international negotiations and conflicts.
What makes nuclear bombs so powerful?
The energy is obtained from the Strong Nuclear Force, which binds the atomic nucleus together, not the Electromagnetic Force, which binds electrons to the atom. The Strong force is about 1000 times stronger than the Electromagnetic force, therefore can provide about 1000 times the energy of a chemical reaction/explosion using a similar mass of fuel.
What is the blast radius of a hydrogen bomb?
Depends entirely on its yield.
Some hydrogen bombs had yields less than 1MT, some more. Others could provide a wide range of yields, all in one bomb. The user just needed to select the best yield for the particular application.
So a 1MT bomb would have a blast radius of several 10s of miles, a 50MT bomb would have a blast radius of 100's of miles. The curvature of the Earth can help protect from heat and radiation, but the blast wave can reach beyond the horizon due to atmospheric focusing.
What do you do if a nuclear bomb hits your city?
If you have a basement, that would be the best place to go. It is surrounded by earth and concrete, some of the best protectors of radiation. Go to the most protected corner of the basement and cover your head with something. Your house will be gone and possibly fall on you. If you have a metal file cabinet that you could remove the drawers and fit in, that would be good to move into the corner and fit in. This is all assuming you had at least a few minutes heads up it was coming. If you have enough time, grab as many water bottles as you can. You can go without food for 2-3 weeks, but only 2-3 days without water.
How powerful is a hydrogen bomb?
A hydrogen bomb is approximately 4.87 times more powerful than an atom bomb. What makes these bombs so powerful is that hydrogen is an extremely inflammable and explosive gas. When the bomb is released, the special coating used on its shell captures tons of friction, which heats the bomb. Then the detonator button is pressed, and the bomb blows up. Also, if the bomb comes in contact with the ground, before the button is pressed, then the heat absorbed by the bomb will set fire to the hydrogen inside and blow the bomb up.
What are the effects of a nuclear bomb on your physical environment?
A nuclear bomb can cause widespread destruction, including blast damage, heat damage, and radiation. The blast wave can level buildings and cause severe injuries, while the heat can start fires and cause burns. Radiation exposure can lead to acute sickness and long-term health effects, depending on the proximity to the explosion.
A nuclear bomb causes immense destruction and loss of life due to the intense heat, blast wave, and radiation it produces. It can kill and injure thousands of people within seconds and have long-term health effects on survivors due to radiation exposure. The impact of a nuclear bomb can be devastating to both the immediate area and the environment.
How many nuclear bombs would it take to destroy the world?
I don't think that this question should ever be answered in great detail, since so crazy person out there is probably going to then blast this world to smithereens. I'm sure the amount of nuclear bombs could be calculated, but then, who on earth would want to know that? We'll all be dead and that is that. Thankyou.
