Nuclear Weapons

Question 1

What Radioactive Materials can be found inside the core of nuclear weapons?

Answer 1

Highly enriched U-235 (HEU) or Weapons grade plutonium Pu-239 (WGPu)

Question 2

What are are the physical hazards that can affect the stability of a nuclear weapon?

Answer 2

Heat (fire), Impact, non-ionizing radiation

Question 3

What is the most hazardous component of a nuclear weapon?

Answer 3

High explosive (HE)

Question 4

What are the non-radioactive sources inside nuclear weapons that are hazardous?

Answer 4

Beryllium (BE)
Lithium (Li)
Lead (Pb)

Question 5

What are the primary sources of radiation exposure from the stowage of nuclear weapons?

Answer 5

Intrinsic gamma and neutron radiation, as a result of fission and decay of WGPu and HEU.

Question 6

What are two types of nuclear bombs?

Answer 6

• Fission bombs
• Fusion bombs

Question 7

What are some characteristics of nuclear weapons detonations?

Answer 7

Blast and shock
Thermal radiation (heat)
Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation

Question 8

SSP OD 69206

Answer 8

Nuclear Weapons Radiological Controls Program