Nuclear bombs & their lingering radioactive effects

In summary, the effects of a nuclear attack would depend on the type of weapon used, location of the explosion, and environmental factors. The resulting radiation would include alpha, beta, and gamma rays and would dissipate quickly. However, the long-term effects of fallout would still be present. The extent of destruction would vary depending on the size of the bomb, with larger bombs causing more damage. Overall, the level of radioactivity from nuclear explosions is now relatively low compared to natural sources.
  • #1
bluegrass
2
0
Hello, I wish to ask, if a kind of nuclear attack would happen, what radiation would it be, how far and for how long? How can we know how the radioation amount would change with time? Many thanks!
 
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  • #2
Depends... are you asking for the fallout effects? those can in general span for a long time and of course they can travel around the globe several times (dying out exponentially with time due to transitions/radiation depending on the isotopes' lifetime, and also being diffused into the air bringing down their concentration).
 
  • #3
Depends on the weapon used, the point of explosion, the local weather, topography, and so on.

In general: all of alpha, beta and gamma, and it would go down quickly. Hiroshima and Nagasaki got re-built quickly after the second world war, for example.
 
  • #4
like the other posters said it would depend on the bomb used a large bomb like the Tsar would wipe out a very large area but a small bomb like North Korea's 2006 test bomb wouldn't be anywhere near as destructive and would only affect a very small area. The radiation released from the bomb is called fallout and it won't go away at any point in our life time even Hiroshima and Nagaski set off geiger counters as does Chernobyl. When a nuclear explosion occurs gamma alpha and beta radiation is released.
 
  • #5
QuickREACTION said:
even Hiroshima and Nagaski set off geiger counters as does Chernobyl.
Compared to natural radioactivity, the radioactivity from the nuclear explosions is negligible today. Chernobyl is a different case, that was not a nuclear weapon.
 

Related to Nuclear bombs & their lingering radioactive effects

1. How do nuclear bombs work?

Nuclear bombs work by using either fission or fusion reactions to release a huge amount of energy in a short amount of time. Fission reactions split the nucleus of an atom, while fusion reactions combine the nuclei of atoms. Both reactions release a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation.

2. What are the immediate effects of a nuclear bomb?

The immediate effects of a nuclear bomb include a blinding flash of light, intense heat, and a powerful shockwave. These effects can cause widespread destruction and loss of life within a short radius of the blast.

3. How long do the radioactive effects of a nuclear bomb last?

The radioactive effects of a nuclear bomb can last for decades or even centuries, depending on the type of bomb and the amount of radioactive material used. The most dangerous radioactive elements have a half-life of thousands of years, meaning it takes thousands of years for half of the material to decay.

4. How far can the radioactive fallout from a nuclear bomb travel?

The distance that radioactive fallout can travel depends on factors such as weather patterns and the size of the bomb. In general, the larger the bomb, the farther the fallout can travel. In some cases, radioactive particles can be carried thousands of miles away from the blast site.

5. How can people protect themselves from the lingering radioactive effects of a nuclear bomb?

The best way to protect yourself from the lingering radioactive effects of a nuclear bomb is to follow emergency response procedures set by your local government. This may include seeking shelter in a basement or other underground area, or evacuating the area if necessary. After the immediate threat has passed, it is important to follow instructions for decontamination and avoid consuming contaminated food or water.

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