Introduction
A nuclear bomb is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions, either fission or a combination of fission and fusion. Both reactions release vast quantities of energy from relatively small amounts of matter. The first test of a fission (“atomic”) bomb released the same amount of energy as approximately 20,000 tons of TNT. The first thermonuclear (“hydrogen”) bomb test released the same amount of energy as approximately 10 million tons of TNT.
A nuclear warhead detonated at ground level can completely destroy a large city by creating a large fireball and compressing the air in the immediate vicinity (the blast wave). The height at which a nuclear warhead is detonated affects the size of the fireball and the strength of the blast wave. If detonated high in the atmosphere, over 100 miles above Earth’s surface, a nuclear explosion could create an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that would disrupt electronic equipment over a wide geographic area.
What is a nuclear bomb?
A nuclear bomb is a device that uses nuclear reactions to create an explosion. This type of bomb uses either nuclear fission or a combination of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
Nuclear bombs are incredibly destructive and can cause extensive damage to property and loss of human life. A single nuclear bomb can release the same amount of energy as the explosive power of several hundred Hiroshima-sized atomic bombs.
How long do you have to stay inside after a nuclear bomb?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the size of the bomb, the type of explosion (airburst or surface burst), the height of the explosion, and the proximity of the blast to buildings and other structures.
In general, however, experts recommend that people shelter in place for at least 24 hours after a nuclear explosion. This will give the fallout time to settle and will allow you to avoid exposure to radiation.
What are the consequences of not staying inside after a nuclear bomb?
If you are outside when a nuclear bomb explodes, you will be exposed to radiation. This can cause burns, radiation sickness, and even death. The amount of radiation you are exposed to depends on how far you are from the explosion and whether you are protected by any buildings or other objects. If you are close to the explosion, you may be exposed to a large amount of radiation all at once, which can overwhelm your body’s ability to repair the damage. This is called ” acute” radiation exposure. If you are further away from the explosion, you will be exposed to smaller amounts of radiation over a longer period of time, which is called “chronic” exposure.
Chronic exposure to radiation can lead to an increased risk of cancer. This risk is hard to quantify because it depends on many factors such as how much radiation you were exposed to, how long you were exposed, and your individual susceptibility to cancer. However, if you were chronically exposed to high levels of radiation (such as from working in a nuclear power plant), your risk of developing cancer would be significantly higher than if you were not exposed at all.
If you are inside when a nuclear bomb exploded nearby, the blast wave from the explosion can cause serious injuries or death. The blast wave is a shock wave of air that travels at very high speeds and can crush or destroy anything in its path. Buildings can collapse and flying debris can kill or injure people who are close by. Even if you survive the initial blast wave, the heat from the explosion can start fires that spread quickly and produce poisonous smoke.
Conclusion
If you are caught outside when a nuclear device detonates, immediately get rid of any clothing that could be tainted with radioactivity, if possible. The rule of thumb is: If it’s hot outside, it’s probably still safe to stay outside. But if it’s cooler outside, it’s probably not safe to stay outside.