0
That varies with:
- yield
- burst height/depth
- terrain
- if subsurface, the material around the burst
- inversion layer present or absent
- etc.
Using my Nuclear Weapon Effects circular sliderule, assuming distance for 1 psi maximum overpressure as "blast radius":
A 1 KTon yield at optimum burst height on flat terrain: 1.35 miles.
A 1 KTon yield surface burst on flat terrain: 0.75 miles.
A 20 KTon yield at optimum burst height on flat terrain: 3.64 miles.
A 20 KTon yield surface burst on flat terrain: 2.00 miles.
A 10 MTon yield at optimum burst height on flat terrain: 29 miles.
A 10 MTon yield surface burst on flat terrain: 15.8 miles.
1 psi maximum overpressure was selected because structural damage to buildings due to blast wave and wind is minor, however glass, plaster, etc. damage will be much further out.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Lao
Jordan
CoachThe blast radius of a nuclear bomb can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the bomb and the height at which it detonates. For a typical nuclear bomb, the blast radius can range from a few hundred meters to several kilometers. The effects of a nuclear explosion are not only limited to the immediate blast radius but also include secondary effects like thermal radiation and radioactive fallout.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How far could a nuclear bomb cover?
A nuke can cover up to 200 miles. Mega Ton nukes blow up even farther. But the real affect of a nuke is the radiation. One nuke can spread radiation all over Europe. If you do get radiation you die in 2 days. Though the answer above overstates the case they can be truly devastating. The effect of a nuclear weapon depends on the 'yield' of the bomb. The yield is measured in equivalent tonnage of TNT exploding but this is only an indication of the blast and not the radiation. The bomb dropped on Hiroshima had an equivalent tonnage of 15 -20,000 tons of TNT. The weapons today can be constructed in the millions of tons range easily.
What was the Trinity nuclear blast radius?
The fireball was roughly 1500 feet in diameter (750 feet in radius).Blast damage was found at 10000 yards (30000 feet) to some of the bunkers.The blast was heard hundreds of miles away.
What is the blast radius of a nuclear weapon?
The blast radius of a nuclear weapon can vary significantly depending on its yield. For example, a small tactical nuclear weapon may have a blast radius of a few hundred meters, while a larger strategic nuclear weapon could have a blast radius of several kilometers. The effects of a nuclear blast extend beyond the blast radius, with fallout and thermal radiation causing additional damage.
What is the blast radius for a nuclear bomb?
The blast radius of a nuclear bomb can vary depending on factors such as the type and yield of the bomb, as well as the environment in which it detonates. However, the blast radius of a typical nuclear bomb can extend for miles, causing significant destruction and casualties.
How many square miles is the blast radius of an atom bomb?
The blast radius of an atomic bomb can vary depending on the size of the bomb and the height at which it detonates. In general, the blast radius of a nuclear bomb can extend for several miles, causing destruction within a radius of 1-5 miles or more. It can cover an area of several square miles, destroying buildings and causing severe damage within that zone.
