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For uranium fueled atomic bombs ordinary gunpowders are adequate to assemble a critical mass without a fizzle.

For plutonium fueled atomic bombs high explosives must be used to assemble a critical mass without a fizzle. The first such bombs used Composition B (a predecessor of modern C-4) and Baritol. Modern bombs use shock and fire resistant plastic bonded explosives.

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Conventional high explosives, such as TNT or RDX, are typically used to compress the nuclear material in a nuclear weapon to achieve a supercritical mass and initiate the nuclear chain reaction.

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10mo ago
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Q: What conventional explosives are used to trigger a nuclear weapon?
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Continue Learning about Physics

Can nuclear weapon explode if nuclear tipped missile is intercepted in air by the anti ballistic missile?

No, a nuclear weapon will not explode if a nuclear-tipped missile is intercepted in the air by an anti-ballistic missile. The detonation process of a nuclear weapon requires specific conditions and triggers that are not present in a scenario where the missile is intercepted in the air.


What is inside of a nuke?

A nuclear weapon typically contains a fissile material such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, high explosives to trigger the nuclear chain reaction, and various components to control the explosion and enhance the weapon's efficiency.


What are some of the things in nuclear weapons?

Some of the components of nuclear weapons include a fissile material like uranium or plutonium, a triggering mechanism to initiate the nuclear chain reaction, and a delivery system such as a missile or bomber aircraft. Additionally, nuclear weapons may contain conventional high explosives and sophisticated electronics for arming and detonating the device.


The difference between a nuclear weapon detonation and a conventional explosion is?

A nuclear weapon detonation involves a chain reaction of nuclear fission or fusion reactions, releasing a vast amount of energy in the form of heat, light, and radiation. This results in a much larger explosion compared to conventional explosives, which rely on chemical reactions for energy release. The destructive power and long-term effects of a nuclear detonation can be far more significant than those of a conventional explosion.


What is the difference between a conventional bomb and an atomic bomb?

A conventional bomb relies on chemical reactions to create an explosion, while an atomic bomb (nuclear bomb) uses nuclear reactions to release an enormous amount of energy, resulting in a much more powerful explosion. Atomic bombs are capable of causing significantly more destruction compared to conventional bombs.