A Closer Look at Nuclear Weapons and Their Devastating Power

Nuclear weapons have long been known for their destructive capabilities, but not everyone knows how they function. Let's delve deeper into how these weapons work and what makes them so dangerous. Nuclear weapons are of many types, however, atomic (fission) bombs and thermonuclear weapons will be taking the spotlight today. Atomic bombs rely on nuclear fission to split the atoms of heavy elements (like Uranium) to produce great energy. Thermonuclear weapons, however, rely on both nuclear fission and fusion to generate great energy capable of immense destruction. Whilst they both generate destructive blasts, the nuclear fallout is what's deadlier.

Why Uranium?

Uranium is quite a heavy element, which makes it the perfect candidate for nuclear fission. The isotope Uranium-235 is what's typically used in atomic bombs. However, plutonium is another alternative that can also be used, but it's fairly uncommon. Due to its scarcity, it's generally synthesised.

Atomic Bombs

Thermonuclear Bombs

Nuclear Fallout

Conclusion