31 - Nuclear Weapons

Question 1

Two types of Nuclear reactions

Answer 1

1. Fission
2. Fusion

Question 2

Binding Energy definition

Answer 2

Energy needed to separate nucleus into P⁺ & N

Question 3

Critical Mass definition

Answer 3

Mass of sufficient size and density to maintain reaction

Question 4

Levels of criticality

Answer 4

1. Subcritical - # N goes down
2. Critical - total # N is constant
3. Supercritical - # N goes up

Question 5

Gun type of Fission Warhead

Answer 5

Two subcritical masses forced together quickly while injecting N to form supercritical mass

“Little Boy”

Question 6

Implosion Type of Fission Warhead

Answer 6

Sub-critial mass is made supercritical by reducing the volume of the mass

“Fat Man”

Question 7

Fusion Warhead

Answer 7

A fission detonation triggers a fusion reaction
- Entire fusion fuel is consumed
- Extreme reliability and rapidity

Question 8

Nuclear weapons effects

Answer 8

1. Blast & Shockwave-50%
2. Thermal Radiation-35%
3. Nuclear Radiation-15%
   - Initial-5%
   - Residual-10%

Other effects:
- Flash
- EMP

Question 9

Nuclear Weapon Uses

Answer 9

1. Tactical
   - Personnel
2. Strategic
   - Area
3. Weapons of Terror
   - Anything

Question 10

What is a Biologic Warhead?

Answer 10

Uses bacteria or other agents for the purpose of causing sickness or death

Question 11

What is a Chemical Warhead?

Answer 11

Designed to expel poisonous substances producing personnel casualties

Nerve damage, blindness, etc.

Question 12

What is a Radiation Warhead?

Answer 12

“Dirty bombs”
Emits either alpha, beta or gamma rays from the warhead payload