An atomic bomb is an explosive weapon whose energy derives from a nuclear reaction, hence the name nuclear bomb. It has immense destructive power; depending on power, a single bomb is capable of destroying an entire city. Let's get to know some of them?
dirty bomb
The dirty bomb has a simple operating principle, like conventional explosives (TNT- trinitrotoluene, for example). Despite being rustic and inexpensive, the dirty bomb combines some explosive destruction with radioactive damage.
The dirty bomb does not have a destructive force like other atomic bombs, it acts through the expansion of gas (a means of propulsion for radioactive material) over a wide area. When triggered, it scatters radioactive material in the form of a cloud of dust, hence the name “dirty bomb”. Dust is transported by the wind, damaging an area larger than the explosion itself.
neutron bomb
Perhaps this is the smallest of all atomic bombs, it is composed of a small thermonuclear device. The fusion reaction takes place through elements such as nickel or chromium. In this case, the generated neutrons are not absorbed inside the bomb, they escape.
Neutrons, once present in the atmosphere, have great destructive power over organisms. They have high energy and are able to penetrate living tissue like no other particle.
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nuclear fusion bombs
As the name implies, the reaction that triggers this type of bomb comes from the atomic nucleus. The light nuclei of hydrogen and helium combine to form heavier elements and release huge amounts of energy.
The nuclear fusion bomb is the most feared of all because of its power. It is also known as a hydrogen bomb or thermonuclear bomb. To date it has only been used in nuclear tests, one of which was carried out by the Soviet Union in 1961 and became known as the Tsar Bomba.
nuclear fission bombs
Bombs that also use nuclear reactions, in this case, the reaction happens with heavy atomic nuclei from the element uranium or plutonium. When the core is disintegrated, the element becomes lighter. The reaction is possible from the bombardment of the nucleus by neutrons.
When bombing the nucleus, more neutrons are produced, which in turn collide with other nuclei, generating a chain reaction.
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "Types of Atomic Bomb"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/tipos-bomba-atomica.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
