1- What is a nuclear bomb?
A nuclear bomb, often referred to simply as a "nuclear weapon" or "atomic bomb," is a type of explosive device that derives its destructive power from nuclear reactions. Unlike conventional explosives that rely on chemical reactions, nuclear bombs utilize the energy released by either nuclear fission or nuclear fusion processes to create an extremely powerful explosion.
There are two primary types of nuclear bombs:
Atomic Bomb (Fission Bomb): This type of bomb works by triggering a nuclear fission chain reaction, where the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy in the form of heat, light, and a blast wave. The energy released in this process can be millions of times greater than that from a comparable mass of conventional explosives. The first atomic bombs, used during World War II, were of this type.
Thermonuclear Bomb (Fusion Bomb): Commonly known as a hydrogen bomb or H-bomb, this bomb utilizes the process of nuclear fusion, where two light atomic nuclei are combined to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. The fusion bomb is typically triggered by the heat and pressure generated by the explosion of a fission bomb (the "primary"), which then initiates the fusion reactions in a secondary stage. Thermonuclear bombs are much more powerful than atomic bombs and are capable of producing vastly greater levels of destruction.
The detonation of a nuclear bomb results in a range of destructive effects, including a massive blast, intense heat, and ionizing radiation. The extent of damage caused by a nuclear explosion depends on factors such as the size of the bomb, the altitude at which it detonates, and the type of environment in which it occurs.
It's important to note that the use of nuclear weapons has profound humanitarian, environmental, and geopolitical implications. The detonation of even a single nuclear bomb can have devastating and long-lasting consequences, including immediate casualties, long-term health effects, and environmental contamination.
Efforts have been made globally to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote disarmament through treaties like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The use of nuclear weapons is a topic of ethical, moral, and strategic debate, and their potential impact has led to widespread concerns about their use in armed conflicts.
2- What animals can survive nuclear radiation?
1. Cockroaches
As disgusting as you are with these bugs, even the ones that hide under your kitchen cupboard and you can kill them with pesticides can survive a nuclear blast!
Certainly not all species, but enough will survive to establish a new colony! Most cockroaches can survive moderate amounts of radiation, and 20% can survive high levels of atomic radiation (up to 10,000 rads).
In fact, perfectly preserved cockroaches were found just 1,000 feet from where the Hiroshima atomic bomb fell.
It is also strange that these insects can survive for up to a month without food or water, and also up to two weeks of cutting off their heads!
2. Scorpions
Although there is no definitive study on this, scorpions are supposed to be able to survive nuclear attacks better than most other creatures.
Scorpions can withstand very high levels of ultraviolet light and even glow when exposed to it in the dark! Scorpions can also freeze completely and then come back to life again!
3. Fruit flies
These tiny insects can survive up to 64,000 rads. Their size prevents them from properly absorbing radiation like larger creatures, and despite their 30-day life cycle, if there were a nuclear explosion, they would likely still be able to live until the end of their natural life cycle.
4. Braconid wasps
This group of parasitoid wasps is one of the hardest living creatures. It can withstand 300 times more radiation than humans can handle!
The Braconidae wasp can withstand 180,000 rads (the Hiroshima bomb was only 10,000 rads). Entomologists have discovered another type of wasp that can be trained to “smell” and identify explosive and harmful substances.
5. Tiny tardigrades
Also known as water bears or algae bears, they are extremely small microscopic creatures and one of the species that survive in the most difficult environmental conditions, such as extreme pH or extremely high or low water temperatures and water, and even in low-oxygen environments. It also survived in space conditions after sending a sample of it on a space flight and returned safely!
6. Momichog fish
These amazingly normal-looking little fish are the only fish ever sent into space. Momichog can live in the dirtiest, most chemically polluted parts of the ocean and be completely fine.
They can also withstand a high amount of radiation from the explosion of a nuclear bomb through water and salt. They can also modify the internal structure of their bodies and their genes as needed to fit their environment.
7. Microscopic Deinococcus radiodurans
These microscopic bacteria are the most radiation-resistant of all. How much radiation can you tolerate? Potentially unlimited quantity.
Scientists were shocked by this discovery, several years ago, when they discovered that these bacteria instantly repaired any damage to DNA caused by radiation. There are several studies currently looking at this organism to help treat radiation-induced and other related diseases in humans by harnessing this DNA.
Another fun fact? These tiny bacteria are in the Guinness Book of Records as the most radiation-resistant organisms.
3. Can you eat animals after a nuclear attack?
The safety of consuming animals after a nuclear attack depends on various factors, such as the proximity of the animals to the blast, the level of radioactive contamination in the environment, and the type of fallout that occurred.
in the immediate aftermath of a nuclear explosion, the primary concern is the potential for radioactive fallout. Fallout consists of particles and debris that are lifted into the atmosphere by the explosion and then deposited back into the ground. These particles can contain radioactive isotopes, which emit ionizing radiation that can be harmful to humans and animals if ingested.
If animals are in an area that has been directly affected by the blast and fallout, there's a high likelihood that they could be contaminated with radioactive materials. Consuming these animals could introduce radioactive substances into the human body, leading to radiation exposure and potential health risks.
In areas that are farther away from the blast and fallout, animals might be less likely to be directly contaminated. However, it's still crucial to exercise caution. Animals could still be exposed to radioactive substances through their environment, such as contaminated water, plants, or other food sources. It's also possible for animals to ingest radioactive particles by grazing on contaminated vegetation.
In the aftermath of a nuclear attack, government agencies and authorities would typically carry out thorough assessments to determine the safety of consuming animals and agricultural products. This might involve measuring radiation levels in animals, plants, and soil. If there's evidence of contamination, restrictions would likely be placed on the consumption of these products to prevent human exposure to harmful levels of radiation.
It's important to note that the effects of a nuclear attack are complex and can vary widely based on the specific circumstances. Following the guidance and instructions of local authorities and experts is crucial to minimize the risks associated with consuming animals and food products in the aftermath of such an event.