Nuclear weapon
Nuclear weapon
A nuclear weapon (pronounced: /ˈnjuː.kli.ər ˈwɛp.ən/) is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions, either fission (fission bomb) or from a combination of fission and fusion reactions (thermonuclear bomb). Both bomb types release large quantities of energy from relatively small amounts of matter.
Etymology
The term "nuclear" comes from the Latin nucleus, meaning "core", in reference to the atomic nucleus, which is the core of an atom where protons and neutrons reside. The term "weapon" comes from the Old English wǣpen, meaning a tool or device used for fighting or warfare.
Related Terms
- Atomic bomb: A weapon with enormous destructive power that uses nuclear fission to release energy.
- Hydrogen bomb: A thermonuclear weapon that uses the fusion of isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium) to release energy.
- Fission: A nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a large amount of energy.
- Fusion: A nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.
- Radioactivity: The emission of ionizing radiation or particles caused by the spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei.
- Fallout: The residual radioactive material propelled into the upper atmosphere following a nuclear blast or a nuclear reaction conducted in an unshielded facility, so called because it "falls out" of the sky after the explosion and shock wave have passed.
See Also
- Nuclear warfare
- Nuclear strategy
- Nuclear proliferation
- Nuclear disarmament
- Effects of nuclear explosions
- Nuclear winter
- Nuclear terrorism
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear weapon
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear weapon
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