Nuclear Weapons Overview

<p>Nuclear electromagnetic pulse. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They would create less nuclear fallout overall. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is a lack of evidence for large-scale production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To utilize the energy from a nuclear explosion for a laser. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It sends debris into the stratosphere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A deuterium-tritium mixture is injected into the bomb core. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They exist in an elevated energy state. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>High-altitude nuclear detonation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Accessibility of fissile material. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Global extinction of all life on Earth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It derives energy primarily from nuclear fission reactions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Utilizing thermonuclear reactions for initiation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fission bombs are generally weaker than fusion bombs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It can achieve supercriticality faster than the gun method. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To create a compression and heating effect on fusion fuel. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>United States, Russia, and China (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemical explosives for detonation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>From 1 ton to 500 kilotons of TNT (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Not confirming or denying possession of nuclear weapons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Highly radioactive and long-lived isotopes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They generally require a fission bomb to initiate fusion reactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>50 megatons of TNT equivalent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It can lead to higher yields than intended. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They are intended for non-strategic, war-winning purposes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Minimization of fallout while maximizing biological casualties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A portable nuclear bomb designed for tactical targets. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gravity bombs dropped from aircraft. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The research and development of delivery systems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Combining sufficient yield with portability is challenging. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It incorporated miniaturization for tactical bombers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nuclear deterrence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Long-range strategic bombers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ballistic missiles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>High energy neutrons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Game theory models. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Utilized as antisubmarine weapons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Missile systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>6.3% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To explore non-military uses of nuclear explosions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>$11.3 trillion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Several (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To prevent the enemy from launching a pre-emptive strike (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Weapons designed for use on a battlefield in military situations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The principle that both sides in a conflict would face total destruction in the event of nuclear war (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It may decrease the likelihood of total war (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The initial attack may not come from a sovereign nation, hindering retaliation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They argue nuclear war would result in mutual annihilation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is generally contrary to international law but may be lawful in extreme situations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Deterring nuclear states from transferring weapons to terrorists (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Merely possessing an arsenal is enough to ensure deterrence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To evacuate citizens to safe areas before an attack (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Deployment on submarines and mobile launchers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The need for nuclear forensics to trace the origin of nuclear material (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Weapons designed to threaten large populations or deter attacks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They may expect to die in any confrontation, complicating deterrence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Albert Einstein (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To restrict nuclear testing to underground facilities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The first Pugwash Conference (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>All nuclear tests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To prevent nuclear weapons production and deployment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Treaty of Tlatelolco (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Their threat or use would violate international law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>1960s (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>2021 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Japan (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Likelihood of a global catastrophe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To accuse Iraq of pursuing nuclear arms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>90 seconds to midnight (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>South Africa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It will undermine nuclear peace and deterrence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Barack Obama (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>China (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>1998 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nuclear threshold state (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contamination of fisheries and public concern (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Stability through deterrence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>90% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To promote disarmament of mass destruction weapons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lawrence M. Krauss (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It will potentially increase global instability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>11,000 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thyroid cancer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nuclear Winter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>$1.38 billion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>400 to 450 million (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A potential nuclear winter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Growth of public opposition to nuclear arms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>I-131 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Won the Nobel Peace Prize for his campaign against nuclear testing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contamination that could last for centuries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reduction in nuclear fallout concerns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Extinction of the human race (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Their location and shelter actions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nuclear reactions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thermonuclear bomb (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>10 million tons of TNT (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Twice (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Little Boy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Over 2,000 times (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Russia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>200,000 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An explosive device using nuclear reactions (fission or fusion) to create a massive explosion.

A nuclear weapon utilizing the splitting of atoms.

A nuclear weapon combining fission and fusion reactions, creating a more powerful explosion.

The only instances of nuclear weapons used in war, targeting Japanese cities in 1945.

Nuclear weapons capable of causing widespread harm and devastation.

A measurement unit used to describe the explosive power of nuclear weapons, comparing it to the energy released from TNT.

The spread of nuclear weapons to more countries.

A list of countries known or suspected to possess nuclear weapons.

The splitting of an atom's nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.

A bomb whose explosive energy comes only from nuclear fission.

Material capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction (e.g., enriched uranium, plutonium).

A method of initiating a nuclear chain reaction by shooting one piece of subcritical fissile material into another.

A more complex method of initiating a nuclear chain reaction by compressing fissile material.

The combining of atomic nuclei, releasing vast amounts of energy.

A weapon that derives a large portion of its energy from nuclear fusion reactions, triggered by a fission bomb.

A weapon that uses fusion reactions between isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium).

A two-stage design for thermonuclear weapons, using a fission bomb to ignite fusion fuel.

Radioactive debris produced from a nuclear explosion, causing environmental contamination.

Radioactive materials resulting from the splitting of atoms in a fission reaction.

An international agreement to limit the spread of nuclear weapons.

A policy where certain states own and maintain nuclear weapons on behalf of other states that share in the deployment of the weapons.

Two massive nuclear bombs planned by the Livermore Laboratory in the early 1950s, with yields of 1 gigaton and 10 gigatons of TNT respectively.

Fusion reactions produce far less nuclear fallout than fission reactions because no fission products are created.

Thermonuclear weapons, despite using fusion, can produce as much nuclear fallout as fission-only weapons due to the fission stages they contain.

High-yield thermonuclear explosions can lift radioactive debris into the stratosphere, allowing it to travel far and contaminate distant regions.

A fission bomb that increases its yield through a small number of fusion reactions, but it is not a thermonuclear weapon.

A boosted fission bomb where a deuterium-tritium mixture is injected directly into the bomb core.

A boosted fission bomb with layers of lithium-deuteride and depleted uranium surrounding the fission bomb core.

A nuclear weapon surrounded with materials like cobalt or gold to produce exceptionally large amounts of long-lived radioactive contamination.

A hypothetical weapon, possibly a salted bomb, capable of producing enough long-lived radioactivity to make life extinct.

A concept for leveraging the energy of a nuclear explosion to power a single-shot laser.

An intense flash of electromagnetic energy generated by a nuclear explosion, capable of disrupting or destroying electronic equipment.

A hypothetical nuclear weapon that relies solely on fusion reactions without a fission trigger.

Isotopes with higher energy states that could potentially be used to trigger thermonuclear reactions.

Antimatter has been explored as a potential trigger or even the explosive itself in nuclear weapons.

Nuclear weapons designed for non-strategic purposes, typically with smaller yields and specialized applications.

A thermonuclear weapon emphasizing neutron radiation, designed to inflict biological damage while minimizing infrastructure destruction.

Man-portable nuclear weapons, typically small yield, designed to destroy important tactical targets like bridges or bunkers.

Small nuclear weapons designed for use against aircraft, primarily used during the Cold War.

Nuclear explosives used against submarines, either dropped from aircraft or launched from torpedoes.

The method of delivering a nuclear weapon greatly impacts weapon design and overall strategy.

A nuclear weapon dropped from aircraft, a simple but effective delivery method.

A nuclear weapon mounted on a ballistic missile, offering increased range and speed compared to gravity bombs.

A missile system with multiple warheads that can be aimed at different targets, significantly increasing a nation's offensive capability.

The strategy of preventing nuclear attack through the threat of retaliation.

The ability of a nation to respond to a nuclear attack with its own nuclear weapons after an initial strike.

The ability to destroy an enemy's nuclear forces before they can retaliate.

A collection of policies and theories that deal with preventing or fighting a nuclear war.

Mathematical models used to analyze strategic decision-making during nuclear conflicts and explore potential outcomes.

The United States spent $11.3 trillion (in present-day terms) on nuclear weapons programs from 1940 to 1996, with the majority of this spending allocated to delivery systems.

Nuclear detonations used for non-military purposes, such as creating canals or other engineering projects that require huge amounts of energy.

A United States project that explored potential peaceful applications of nuclear explosions, including excavation and mining.

An international agreement aimed at prohibiting all nuclear explosions, including those for peaceful purposes.

A significant portion of the US nuclear weapons program budget was devoted to dealing with the hazardous waste generated by the production and use of nuclear weapons.

Despite controls and regulations, there is a risk of accidents, mistakes, false alarms, blackmail, theft, and sabotage with nuclear weapons.

Lack of trust between the United States and the Soviet Union hampered progress on arms control agreements.

It highlighted the dangers of nuclear weapons and called for world leaders to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

A series of conferences initiated in 1957, aiming to bring scientists and policymakers together to address international conflicts, particularly those related to nuclear weapons.

To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to non-nuclear states and allow the peaceful use of nuclear technology for member countries.

This treaty restricted nuclear testing to underground, aiming to minimize contamination from nuclear fallout.

An organization established in 1957 under the United Nations mandate to promote peaceful uses of nuclear technology, ensure its safety, and prevent misuse.

It establishes a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Latin America and the Caribbean, prohibiting nuclear weapon production and deployment.

The court ruled that using or threatening to use nuclear weapons violates international law, including human rights declarations and conventions.

They urged countries to never use nuclear weapons, regardless of their legality, due to their devastating nature.

Both countries faced economic sanctions, even though they were not signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

It measures the likelihood of a human-made global catastrophe, influenced by factors like nuclear threats and climate change.

This treaty, adopted in 2017 and entered into force in 2021, bans the development, testing, production, stockpiling, use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.

Nuclear weapons designed to threaten large populations or deter attacks, aiming to create a large-scale deterrent effect.

Nuclear weapons intended for battlefield use in military situations, often designed for smaller-scale destruction.

A doctrine where nuclear powers assure each other that any nuclear attack would trigger retaliation, resulting in catastrophic destruction for both sides.

The idea that nuclear weapons can increase stability between major powers by deterring large-scale conflict, but also increase instability at a regional level, leading to smaller conflicts.

A strategy extending nuclear deterrence beyond traditional states to deter nuclear terrorism, targeting those providing weapons or material to terrorists.

The science of analyzing nuclear materials to trace their origin, helping identify the source of nuclear weapons or materials.

The use of nuclear weapons or materials by terrorist groups to cause widespread damage and fear.

Measures taken by governments to protect their citizens in the case of a nuclear attack, including early warnings and evacuation plans.

Systems designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles before they reach their targets, aimed at protecting against a nuclear attack.

A fortified underground bunker designed to protect nuclear missiles from attack, providing a safe haven for the weapons.

A mobile vehicle designed to transport and launch nuclear missiles, making their location difficult to track.

The ICJ's 1996 opinion that use (or threat of use) of nuclear weapons generally violates international law, leaving open the possibility of exceptions in extreme circumstances.

The movement advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons, promoting peace and non-proliferation.

A symbolic clock representing the likelihood of global catastrophe, set by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists based on threats of nuclear war and climate change.

The process of reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons stockpiles, aiming for a world free from nuclear weapons.

An international treaty signed in 1968, aiming to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote nuclear disarmament.

The detonation of nuclear weapons for experimental purposes, often carried out in the atmosphere or underground.

Radioactive debris released from nuclear explosions, contaminating the environment and posing health risks.

Unintended events involving nuclear weapons or materials, potentially leading to radioactive releases and environmental contamination.

A top-secret American project during World War II to develop the first atomic bomb.

Widespread concerns about the spread of nuclear weapons to more countries, potentially leading to increased regional and global instability.

Debates surrounding the ethical use and possession of nuclear weapons, considering issues of human rights, environmental consequences, and the potential for unintended consequences.

A department of the United Nations Secretariat focused on promoting nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control.

A period of relative peace and stability due to the presence of nuclear weapons, despite the potential for nuclear war.

A hypothetical period of extreme cold and darkness caused by dust and debris from a nuclear war blocking sunlight.

A movement advocating for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide.

The harmful consequences of radioactive debris (fallout) released after a nuclear explosion. It can cause radiation sickness, cancer, and birth defects.

A US law passed in 1990 to compensate people who were exposed to radiation from nuclear weapons testing.

The long-term health consequences experienced by survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, including cancer, genetic mutations, and other health problems.

The potential number of deaths from a nuclear war, estimated to be very high, with millions or even billions of people at risk.

The process of creating and manufacturing nuclear weapons, involving the production of fissile materials and the assembly of weapon components.

People who were exposed to radiation from nuclear weapons testing, potentially suffering long-term health effects.

Organizations and individuals advocating for peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons. These movements emerged in response to the nuclear threat.

The potential long-term consequences of a nuclear war, including climate change, crop failures, and a decline in human population.

An international treaty that prohibited nuclear testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.

Public opposition to nuclear weapons, including protests, campaigns, and international agreements aimed at disarmament.

A significant environment problem where radioactive byproducts from nuclear weapons production leaked into groundwater at the Hanford site in Washington state.

The potential impact of nuclear war on the global climate, including temperature changes, disruptions to weather patterns, and potential for 'nuclear winter'.

The amount of nuclear weapons possessed by various countries, often considered a significant threat to global security.