Nuclear weapons' yield is derived primarily from fission.
Thermonuclear weapon's yield is derived mainly from fusion.
Thermonuclear weapons are multistage weapons -- x-rays from a nuclear primary trigger are used to trigger ablation in the pusher of the secondary to compress it, which is responsible for the fusion reaction.
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Nuclear weapons rely on nuclear fission to release energy, while thermonuclear weapons (hydrogen bombs) use both nuclear fusion and fission reactions to generate a much more powerful explosion. Thermonuclear weapons are considered more destructive and have the capability to produce significantly larger explosions than traditional nuclear weapons.
Thermonuclear weapons, also known as hydrogen bombs, are the most powerful and destructive nuclear weapons. They rely on a two-stage process involving the fusion of isotopes of hydrogen to release immense amounts of energy. These weapons can produce explosions with yields in the megaton range, causing catastrophic damage over a wide area.
One key difference is the purpose: nuclear reactors are used to generate electricity through controlled nuclear fission, while nuclear weapons harness the energy from uncontrolled nuclear fission or fusion to create a massive explosion. Additionally, nuclear reactors are subject to strict regulations and oversight to ensure safety and prevent misuse, while nuclear weapons are designed for destructive purposes.
Yes, India is known to possess nuclear weapons. The country conducted its first nuclear tests in 1974 and again in 1998, making it a nuclear-armed state. India has a declared policy of credible minimum deterrence.
The criteria for possessing nuclear weapons typically involve the country being recognized as a nuclear-weapon state under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), having the technological capabilities to develop and maintain nuclear weapons, and having the political will to maintain a nuclear arsenal. However, possessing nuclear weapons is subject to international agreements and treaties, and there are restrictions and obligations associated with their possession.
No, China is not a nuclear-free zone. China possesses nuclear weapons and is one of the five recognized nuclear-weapon states under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.