BLOCK 8: NUCLEAR ENTERPRISE - Unit 6: Nuclear Weapons (complete)

Question 1

The splitting of a heavy nucleus of an atom into at least two nuclei of lighter elements, which is accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy and excess neutrons.

Answer 1

NUCLEAR FISSION

Question 2

The atoms created from fission reactions which are generally quite radioactive.

Answer 2

FISSION PRODUCTS

Question 3

A reaction in which nuclei of light atoms join together in order to form nuclei of heavier atoms.

Answer 3

NUCLEAR FUSION

The reaction involves nuclei that have a low binding energy, generally the isotopes of hydrogen, to form helium isotopes, and release excess energy.

Question 4

In order for two nuclei to go through fusion, there must be substantial __________, which allows nucleons to overcome the binding energy barriers of their respective nuclei and combine together.

Answer 4

HEAT

Question 5

____________________ is the basis for nuclear explosions, and the process occurs constantly in nuclear reactors.

Answer 5

NUCLEAR FISSION

Question 6

____________________ are the nuclear weapons that include fusion-boosting material.

Answer 6

THERMONUCLEAR WEAPONS

Question 7

There are two different types of nuclear weapon design: __________ and __________device.

Answer 7

GUN TYPE and IMPLOSION TYPE

Question 8

In the __________ type device, nuclear material is gathered inside a neutron reflective casing.

Answer 8

GUN TYPE

Question 9

In the _______________ type device, nuclear material is gathered and surrounded by a tamper. Outside the tamper is a ring of conventional explosives (Fig. 24). The small explosives go off, forcing the collection of nuclear material to combine in a smaller area, resulting in supercritical mass. Thus begins the chain reaction of nuclear fission.

Answer 9

IMPLOSION TYPE

Question 10

Which two fissile radioisotopes does the Air Force primarily use in its nuclear weapons arsenal?

Answer 10

URANIUM and PLUTONIUM

Question 11

Nuclear explosions have characteristic physical phenomena correlated with the _______________ at which the burst occurred.

Answer 11

ALTITUDE

Question 12

Burst that occurs at an altitude greater than 100,000 feet (18.5 miles). It is specifically designed to cause electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects.

Answer 12

HIGH-ALTITUDE BURST

Radar, radio waves, electronics, and communication equipment are easily disrupted by this type of detonation. The fireball is extremely bright at altitudes between 20 and 50 miles and can cause eye injuries miles away.

Question 13

Burst that occurs at an altitude less than 100,000 feet.

Answer 13

AIR BURST

The expanding fireball does not touch the Earth’s surface with this type of detonation. It is often referred to as a “clean nuke.” The shockwave is maximized, destroying almost everything at ground zero. In addition, the EMP effects are substantial in this type of burst as well. Little to no fallout is present due to small amounts of surface material making their way to the weapon cloud.

Question 14

Burst that occurs on or slightly above the surface of land or water.

Answer 14

SURFACE BURST

The fireball touches the Earth’s surface, forming a crater and sucking up soil, rock, dirt, dust, and other particles. The radioactive cloud forms a “mushroom” shape several miles above the surface

Question 15

Burst that occurs below the surface of the ground or water.

Answer 15

SUBSURFACE BURST

It was primarily used for testing purposes. A shallow subsurface burst has the possibility of venting the Earth’s surface; in which case, fallout will be present. The thermal radiation is almost completely absorbed by the ground and does not represent a significant hazard.