answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer
High ExplosivesThe key in a successful fission-based thermonuclear explosion is the generation of a well-timed self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction that would inevitably lead to the generation of large amounts of energy (hence, the "bomb"). In order to do this, fissile material (that is, the radioactive material) should be brought to a "critical mass" - that is, a density and shape that would allow spontaneous fission to occur at a very rapid pace. To do this, the material must be compressed to a very high degree very rapidly upon detonation... cue in the High Explosives.

In earlier days, the fissile material was packed much like Pizza, with the wedges/slices placed relatively far apart to avoid pre-detonation (that is, the reaction goes spontaneous long before you want it to, causing... undesirable... side effects). Just ringing the wedge is the high explosive, placed such that the energy of its explosion goes into the "pizza". Upon impact (for surface explosives, this means a trigger on the missile's nose, while for other types this would mean remote control), the explosives detonate simultaneously, compressing the wedges to critical mass, triggering the explosion. ###

Now, it should be said trhat I am not a nuclear technician, however i do a hell of a lot of reading and stuff in this sort of area, and my basic understanding of this is that there is a peice of nuclear material placed inside the bomb. around that are peices of c-4 or another form of explosive. these go off all at exactly the same time to compress the nuclear matter, which superheats the core causing a massive *pop* sound. hence to say, the pop is kinda loud.

..... atom splitting is dangerous, don try this @ your house.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

Atomic bombs are set off through a process called nuclear fission, which involves splitting the nuclei of heavy atoms like uranium or plutonium. This splitting releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation, resulting in a powerful explosion. This process can be initiated by either shooting a neutron into the nucleus of the atom or compressing a critical mass of fissile material using conventional explosives in what's known as a "nuclear chain reaction."

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

At the time of detonation a flash of neutrons, gamma rays, x-rays, UV, visible light, and IR is emitted. Over a period afterwards the fallout decays emitting alpha, beta, and gamma rays.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How are atomic bombs set off?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Why dont atomic bombs destroy ozone?

Atomic bombs primarily release energy in the form of heat and light, which does not directly affect ozone molecules. Ozone depletion is mainly caused by chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that break down ozone in the stratosphere. Therefore, atomic bombs do not contribute to ozone depletion.


What cities in Japan did the US drop the atomic bombs?

The cities were called Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The US dropped the atomic bombs onto Japan on August 6th and 9th 1945.


How many atomic bombs is the equivalent of 7.8 on the Richter scale?

It is not possible to directly equate the energy released by an earthquake to the explosive power of atomic bombs. The Richter scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake based on seismic waves, while atomic bombs release energy through nuclear fission or fusion. The destructive power of an earthquake cannot be accurately converted to the number of atomic bombs.


How many people died when the two atomic bombs hit?

About 220,000 died due to the dropping of the 2 atomic bombs onto Japan in 1945. 75,000 in Nagasaki died and 145,000 in Hiroshima died.


What comes after the atomic bomb in terms of intensity?

After the atomic bomb, the intensity of destruction increases with hydrogen bombs, which are significantly more powerful and devastating due to the fusion reaction they utilize. Hydrogen bombs are capable of producing much larger explosions compared to atomic bombs due to their ability to release vast amounts of energy.