atomic weapon
Fission-powered explosive device
A weapon that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions—either fission (splitting heavy atoms) or fusion (combining light atoms).
Atomic weapons release enormous energy as blast, heat, and radiation.
The term dates from the 1940s; *nuclear weapon* is now more common and technically precise, covering both atomic and hydrogen bombs.
Munition's explosive section
- missileSelf-guided airborne weapon
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- blastSudden forceful burst
- explosionViolent burst of energy
payload · megaton · kiloton · implosion · airburst · ground zero · fireball · shockwave
Nuclear breakup releasing energy
- fusionJoining into unity
- chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence
- critical massThreshold for self-sustaining reaction
- uraniumElement ninety-two
plutonium · enrichment · isotope · neutron · pit · reflector · tamper · deuterium
Escalating weapons accumulation between nations
- nonproliferationRestricting weapons dissemination
- IAEAU.N. atomic oversight body
- disarmamentReducing or eliminating weapons
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
embargo · centrifuge · enrichment program · dual-use · clandestine · rogue state · verification · inspection
Energy propagation through space
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
- radioactive decayUnstable atoms releasing energy
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
- strontium-90Radioactive isotope from fission
cesium-137 · iodine-131 · fallout shelter · nuclear winter · black rain · Hiroshima · Nagasaki · Chernobyl
Reciprocal annihilation prevents war
- MADMutual annihilation doctrine
- cold warHostility without open fighting
- brinkmanshipPushing conflicts to disaster's threshold
- balance of powerEqual distribution of influence
nuclear umbrella · second strike · first strike · dead hand · triad · ICBM · submarine-launched · bomber fleet
warhead
Munition's explosive section
- missileSelf-guided airborne weapon
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- blastSudden forceful burst
explosion · payload · megaton · kiloton · implosion · airburst · ground zero · fireball · shockwave · mushroom cloud
fission
Nuclear breakup releasing energy
- fusionJoining into unity
- chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence
- critical massThreshold for self-sustaining reaction
uranium · plutonium · enrichment · isotope · neutron · pit · reflector · tamper · deuterium · tritium
arms race
Escalating weapons accumulation between nations
- nonproliferationRestricting weapons dissemination
- IAEAU.N. atomic oversight body
- disarmamentReducing or eliminating weapons
sanctions · embargo · centrifuge · enrichment program · dual-use · clandestine · rogue state · verification · inspection · safeguards
radiation
Energy propagation through space
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
- radioactive decayUnstable atoms releasing energy
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
strontium-90 · cesium-137 · iodine-131 · fallout shelter · nuclear winter · black rain · Hiroshima · Nagasaki · Chernobyl · Bikini Atoll
mutual assured destruction
Reciprocal annihilation prevents war
- MADMutual annihilation doctrine
- cold warHostility without open fighting
- brinkmanshipPushing conflicts to disaster's threshold
balance of power · nuclear umbrella · second strike · first strike · dead hand · triad · ICBM · submarine-launched · bomber fleet · credibility
atomic weaponconventional weapon
Non-WMD military armament
conventional arms · TNT · sword · bow and arrow · club
atomic weaponpeashooter
Tube for blowing small projectiles
slingshot · BB gun · small arms · pistol · rifle
atomic weaponnuclear disarmament
Reducing atomic weapon stockpiles
denuclearization · olive branch · disarmament · peace treaty · plowshare
weapon, atom, weapons, atomic, weaponry, weaponize, atomize, subatomic, atomism