Unit 11: The Nuclear Threat

Question 1

What are the effects of Nuclear Detonation? ()

Answer 1

• Thermal radiation may cause burns and/or ignite flammable material
• Eye injuries could occur from thermal flash
• Exposure to radiation from fallout
• The electromagnetic pulse damages electrical systems and equipment –> disrupting the power grid

Question 2

How does Nuclear Detonation affect fuel and energy infrastructure?

Answer 2

Disrupts electronic control systems

Question 3

How does Nuclear Detonation effect Transportation?

Answer 3

It disrupts traffic lights and prevents vehicles from operating

Question 4

How does Nuclear Detonation effect Food Infrastructure?

Answer 4

Disrupts food distribution

Question 5

Nuclear detonation will also produce the delayed effect of radioactive fallout, what is fallout?

Answer 5

Fallout is generated when the dust and debris caused by the explosion is combined with radioactive fission products

Question 6

Since 1949, at least how many countries have developed some form of nuclear capability?

Answer 6

8

Question 7

What is the most likely method of acquisition of a nuclear device?

Answer 7

Construction

Question 8

Experts express concerns over terrorists trying to acquire two types of weapons, what are they?

Answer 8

• A “gun-type” weapon using Highly Enriched Uranium
• An implosion-type weapon using Plutonium

Question 9

True or False
The general consensus of nuclear weapons experts is that would face significant but not impossible challenges in building a primitive and devastating nuclear device.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

The technologies and materials required to enrich uranium or construct reactor to produce plutonium are considered what?

Answer 10

Beyond the reach of even the most sophisticated terrorist groups