answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

That depends upon how close you are to the explosion. You can be completely vaporized, or merely burned; the concussion can cause massive damage, and if all else fails, there is always radiation sickness.

As implied above, nuclear weapons can cause three categories of injuries: thermal (burns), radiation, and blast (physical trauma).

Thermal radiation (heat) released by the bomb will burn you in two ways: direct exposure to super-heated air, or absorption of high amounts of infrared radiation by your clothes. Which is more of a danger depends on your distance from the explosion, and what intervening structures there are.

Radiation is in the form of ionizing gamma rays and alpha particles, with secondary X-rays and other EM radiation also having some impact. In all cases, the threat is from radiation poisoning - the level of ionizing radiation that the human body can take before the cellular damage caused by such radiation causes organ failure.

Blast damage is via a force wave of pressure, which is the same as with ordinary explosives. Death can come from direct contact with the pressure wave, or, more likely, from debris the pressure wave causes.

Which one is the highest risk to you depends on the size of the particular weapon, the altitude above the ground it was detonated, and the distance from ground zero you are.

For large yield weapons ( > 100 kT), the primary danger is blast. The lethal range of radiation and thermal effects is well below that of the lethal blast radius.

In mid-size yields (15-100kT), the danger is a combination of blast and burns.

In small yield weapons ( < 5kT), the primary danger is radiation poisoning.

In addition, for the same yield of weapon, a ground burst will have a smaller lethal range than an air burst.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

A nuclear bomb can kill you in several ways. The initial blast wave can cause significant damage, leading to injuries or death. Heat from the explosion can cause severe burns. Additionally, the release of radiation can cause radiation sickness, which can be fatal.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does a nuclear bomb kill you?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Physics

How many people does a nuclear bomb kill?

The number of people killed by a nuclear bomb depends on various factors such as the size of the bomb, the distance from the blast, and the preparedness of the population. A single nuclear bomb has the potential to kill hundreds of thousands to millions of people instantly or through long-term effects like radiation exposure.


Does a nuclear bomb hurt?

A nuclear bomb causes immense destruction and loss of life due to the intense heat, blast wave, and radiation it produces. It can kill and injure thousands of people within seconds and have long-term health effects on survivors due to radiation exposure. The impact of a nuclear bomb can be devastating to both the immediate area and the environment.


Which is more destructive a nuclear bomb or a hydrogen bomb?

A hydrogen bomb (thermonuclear bomb) is more destructive than a regular nuclear bomb (fission bomb). Hydrogen bombs release much larger amounts of energy and have the potential to create significantly more devastation and damage.


Is a bomb a nuclear reaction?

No, a bomb is not necessarily a nuclear reaction. A bomb can be any device that is designed to explode and cause destruction, whereas a nuclear reaction involves the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei to release energy. Nuclear bombs, also known as atomic bombs, utilize nuclear reactions to produce a very powerful explosion.


What is the difference between an atomic bomb and a nuclear weapon?

An atomic bomb is a type of nuclear weapon that releases energy through nuclear fission (splitting of atomic nuclei). Nuclear weapon is a broader term that encompasses atomic bombs, as well as hydrogen bombs which release energy through nuclear fusion (combining atomic nuclei).

Related questions

What can a atom bomb cause?

The atom bomb is a type of nuclear weapon. Nuclear weapons can kill entire cities, make air quality unsafe, and kill plants and animals.


Can a nuclear bomb kill the US?

one no, many yes


How many people does a nuclear bomb kill?

The number of people killed by a nuclear bomb depends on various factors such as the size of the bomb, the distance from the blast, and the preparedness of the population. A single nuclear bomb has the potential to kill hundreds of thousands to millions of people instantly or through long-term effects like radiation exposure.


Could an nuclear bomb kill megaldon?

Megalodons are giant sharks, not gods.


Why did the American people fear the nuclear bombs?

Because its a nuclear bomb, it can kill millions of people in a matter of minutes.


How do you kill a ninja banananet?

take a b-2 bomber and drop a nuclear bomb on it


When will China Kill us with a nuclear bomb?

Never, they like to sell us cheap stuff!


How do you delete an account on fantasy footy?

on 'update your account' page..


What can kill more a tornado a huge water wave or a nuke?

A nuclear fusion (H-bomb) bomb can clear an area the size of Rhode Island.


What would a Nuclear bomb interception over the ocean do to the Ecosystem?

it would kill all the things living


What is the difference between nuclear bomb and plutonium bomb?

A nuclear bomb is a type of bomb that releases energy from splitting atoms (fission), whereas a plutonium bomb specifically uses plutonium as the primary fissile material to create the explosive chain reaction. Plutonium bombs are a subset of nuclear bombs.


Does a nuclear bomb hurt?

A nuclear bomb causes immense destruction and loss of life due to the intense heat, blast wave, and radiation it produces. It can kill and injure thousands of people within seconds and have long-term health effects on survivors due to radiation exposure. The impact of a nuclear bomb can be devastating to both the immediate area and the environment.