what happens during an atomic explosion?

Answer 1

A nuclear explosion occurs as a result of the rapid release of energy from an uncontrolled nuclear reaction. The driving reaction may be nuclear fission, nuclear fusion or a multistage cascading combination of the two.

Atmospheric nuclear explosions are associated with "mushroom clouds" although mushroom clouds can occur with large chemical explosions and it is possible to have an air burst nuclear explosion without these clouds. Nuclear explosions produce large amounts of radiation and radioactive debris.

Nuclear weapons emit large amounts of electromagnetic radiation as visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light. The chief hazards are burns and eye injuries. On clear days, these injuries can occur well beyond blast ranges. The light is so powerful that it can start fires that spread rapidly in the debris left by a blast. The range of thermal effects increases markedly with weapon yield. Thermal radiation accounts for between 35-45% of the energy released in the explosion, depending on the yield of the device.

There are two types of eye injuries from the thermal radiation of a weapon:

Flash blindness is caused by the initial brilliant flash of light produced by the nuclear detonation. More light energy is received on the retina than can be tolerated, but less than is required for irreversible injury. The retina is particularity susceptible to visible and short wavelength infrared light, since this part of the electromagnetic spectrum is focused by the lens on the retina. The result is bleaching of the visual pigments and temporary blindness for up to 40 minutes.


On this victim of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the pattern of the kimono is clearly visible as burns on the skin.A retinal burn resulting in permanent damage from scarring is also caused by the concentration of direct thermal energy on the retina by the lens. It will occur only when the fireball is actually in the individual's field of vision and would be a relatively uncommon injury. Retinal burns, however, may be sustained at considerable distances from the explosion. The apparent size of the fireball, a function of yield and range will determine the degree and extent of retinal scarring. A scar in the central visual field would be more debilitating. Generally, a limited visual field defect, which will be barely noticeable, is all that is likely to occur.

Since thermal radiation travels in straight lines from the fireball (unless scattered) any opaque object will produce a protective shadow. If fog or haze scatters the light, it will heat things from all directions and shielding will be less effective. Massive spread of radiation would also occur, which would be at the mercy of the wind.

When thermal radiation strikes an object, part will be reflected, part transmitted, and the rest absorbed. The fraction that is absorbed depends on the nature and color of the material. A thin material may transmit a lot. A light colored object may reflect much of the incident radiation and thus escape damage. The absorbed thermal radiation raises the temperature of the surface and results in scorching, charring, and burning of wood, paper, fabrics, etc. If the material is a poor thermal conductor, the heat is confined to the surface of the material.

Actual ignition of materials depends on how long the thermal pulse lasts and the thickness and moisture content of the target. Near ground zero where the light exceeds 125 J/cm2, what can burn, will. Farther away, only the most easily ignited materials will flame. Incendiary effects are compounded by secondary fires started by the blast wave effects such as from upset stoves and furnaces.

In Hiroshima, a tremendous fire storm developed within 20 minutes after detonation and destroyed many more buildings and homes. A fire storm has gale force winds blowing in towards the center of the fire from all points of the compass. It is not, however, a phenomenon peculiar to nuclear explosions, having been observed frequently in large forest fires and following incendiary raids during World War II.

Answer 2

In an atomic explosion of a nuclear bomb, the nucleus of the atom is split, creating a ridiculous amount of energy and force.

Answer 3

After atomic explosion, neutron flux destabilises uranium 235 nucleus, this will splits and provide more neutrons with high energy cause chain reaction , the BANG.
As result of that radiation will produced which result in massive amount of heat energy, these effects will cause mutation, this atmosphere or environment will be continue for number of years.

Answer 4

As soon as a atom bomb explodes a huge amount of energy is released by the bomb..a mushroom cloud is formed and a wave of radioactive radiations spreads in a circle, bomb being in the center. the stuffs in the first few kilometers to the ground zero comletely burns our because of the heat that is generated. after this zone the radioactive radiations have adverse effect on all living beings. leading to their slow death.

Answer 5

In a nuclear meltdown, the chain reaction speeds up, usu. since operators don't lower the ctrl. rods. The energy causes pressure and melts the uranium rods, blowing the reactor vessel. The smoke and radioactive waste cause a mushroom-like explosion.

Have you heard of the Chernobyl meltdown?

Answer 6

Nuclear Fission, and a chain reaction of it!

Rutherford splits the atom...

Answer 7

I would say that uranium is propelled in to plutonium.The explosion does not come from this collision.Nuclear bombs only explode on meteor islands.

Answer 8

well, usually people die after atomic explosion.in the epicentre of explosion temperature rises to tens of thousands C.quite hot,eh?

Answer 9

well there are 2 types of neuclear explosions.one is through fission .and another is the ,more deadly one,fusion used in an hydrogen bomb.
during fission an element breaks in to other elements .while in an fusion elements combine to form another elements

Answer 10

What type? A bomb? H bomb?

A bomb - neutron flux destabilises unranium 235 nucleus, which splits and gives off more neutrons plus lots of energy -> chain reaction -> BANG

H bomb - see about but layer of heavy water around a bomb core; deuterium in heavy water fuses to form helium, gives off even more energy -> BBBBBBAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!