Hydrogen comes in three isotopic forms: normal hydrogen, no neutrons, deuterium, one neutron, and tritium, two neutrons. Deuterium and tritium are the components of a hydrogen bomb, called a thermonuclear device. They combine to make helium (two protons, two neutrons), one rogue neutron, and a tremendous amount of energy. This is the same nuclear reaction which keeps the sun going.
Incidentally, deuterium oxide, chemically and almost physically identical to water (but physically heavier), is called "heavy water", and is used to modulate the reaction in nuclear power reactors.
2007-06-05 19:36:45
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answer #1
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answered by TitoBob 7
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Condensed (liquid) hydrogen is not used in modern nuclear weapons. They use Lithium 6 Deuteride. Li 6 tranmutes into Tritium T upon neutron bombardment by the fission primary. The fusion reaction, then, is with the D and the T nuclei.
2007-06-09 13:46:53
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answer #2
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answered by Dr. R 7
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tritium was responsible for accidental irradiations of several scientists due to unexpected test results..
It is considered an assisted multiplier of the primary reaction.
2007-06-06 03:30:47
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answer #3
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answered by ★Greed★ 7
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