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Lets just say that the most powerfull nuke can annialate London 3 times over (most possibly). This is the Russian Tsar bomb, the 'father of all bambs'. A fireball 8 miles wide. Now that's big. But that is strategic nuclear weapons. Tactican nuclear weapons are a lot less powerfull. But still enougth to annialate a large army.
For most of the Western powers (France, UK, USA), a typical strategic nuclear weapon is around 1/3 MT (350-380 kT), while tactical weapons generally are in the double-digit kiloTons (15-75kT, mostly).
Those of Russian and Chinese make are typically a bit bigger for strategic weapons (about 1MT or so), mostly due to lower levels of accuracy of the weapon. The tactical weapons are about the same size as Western powers.
India and Pakistan both deploy atomic weapons in both strategic and tactical roles, but the characteristics of both are not well know. It is thought that they use 100-200kT weapons in the strategic role, and 10-50kT weapons in the tactical role.
The most typical measure of destruction of a nuclear weapon is the range at which it can produce a 5 psi overpressure wave. A 1 MT weapon detonated at the optimal height to maximize the 5 psi blast wave zone would have a 5 psi damage radius of about 3.2 miles. A 50 kT weapon would optimally have about a 1.2 mile radius 5 psi blast zone.
Note that the power of a nuclear explosion goes up with the cube root of the yield. Thus, to make a bomb twice as powerful, you need to have 8 time the yield. Thus, a 1 MT bomb has a blast radius of about 10 times that of a 1 kT weapon.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Modern nuclear weapons have a range of explosive yields, with the most powerful warheads in the megaton range, capable of destroying entire cities. The destructive power of these weapons is measured in terms of TNT equivalent, with some modern warheads exceeding 1,000 times the destructive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
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How strong are the Russian nuclear weapons compared to that of US?
Both Russia and the United States possess strong nuclear arsenals with similar destructive capabilities. The exact strength of each country's nuclear weapons is classified, but they both have the ability to cause immense damage and are considered two of the most powerful nuclear states in the world.
Does a country with nuclear weapons have a right to deny other countries from trying to create nuclear weapons?
Countries with nuclear weapons often push for non-proliferation to prevent other nations from acquiring such weapons. While each country has sovereignty, there are international agreements like the Non-Proliferation Treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. It is generally in the global interest to limit the number of countries with nuclear capabilities to maintain stability.
Is China a Nuclear free zone?
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.
What is the meaning of nukes?
"Nukes" is a colloquial term for nuclear weapons, which are explosive devices that derive their destructive power from nuclear reactions. These weapons can cause devastating damage and are considered weapons of mass destruction.
What is nuclear surety?
Nuclear surety is a comprehensive system of procedures and controls used to ensure the safety, security, and effectiveness of nuclear weapons. It involves protocols for handling, storing, transporting, and deploying nuclear weapons, as well as rigorous oversight and training to prevent accidents, unauthorized use, or unauthorized access to nuclear weapons. The goal of nuclear surety is to maintain the reliability and credibility of the nuclear deterrent while minimizing the risks associated with nuclear weapons.
Is there a list of modern nuclear weapons?
No, but there is a list of modern greenpeace actions.
What nuclear weapons are made with plutonium?
All modern nuclear weapons use plutonium. There may be a uranium component in some modern weapons as well, usually in the secondary or added on in rings to adjust the yield of the weapon.
Is americium used in nuclear weapons?
Yes, americium can be used in some types of nuclear weapons as a neutron source for initiating the chain reaction needed for a nuclear explosion. However, its use in modern nuclear weapons is limited.
What were the inventions during modern warfare that changed history?
Nuclear weapons
Is nuclear war possible in the modern world?
So long as nuclear weapons and the motive and means to use them exist, yes
What role does nuclear weapons play in modern war?
None active, just threat.
What are the disadvantages of building nuclear weapons and plants?
Well their are no disadvantages to nuclear plants, if your using them for nuclear power, as nuclear power is the safest type of energy in modern times. However disadvantages of nuclear weapons include well the ending of the planet, the possibility of it being stolen by terrorists or even it being spied on for another nation so it can create nuclear weapons.
How strong are the Russian nuclear weapons compared to that of US?
Both Russia and the United States possess strong nuclear arsenals with similar destructive capabilities. The exact strength of each country's nuclear weapons is classified, but they both have the ability to cause immense damage and are considered two of the most powerful nuclear states in the world.
What weapons are considered nuclear weapons?
Those that are nuclear, such as the nuclear bombs.
Where are nuclear weapons found?
In nuclear weapons depots.
Does Zambia have nuclear weapons?
Zambia does not have nuclear weapons.
Does a country with nuclear weapons have a right to deny other countries from trying to create nuclear weapons?
Countries with nuclear weapons often push for non-proliferation to prevent other nations from acquiring such weapons. While each country has sovereignty, there are international agreements like the Non-Proliferation Treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. It is generally in the global interest to limit the number of countries with nuclear capabilities to maintain stability.
