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The extreme explosive power of nuclear weapons comes from the energy released from nuclear fusion or fission. Nuclear fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom is split, usually using uranium. Nuclear fusion is achieved by combining two smaller atoms to produce one larger atom. Both reactions produce immense quantities of radiation and heat energy, which can be extremely destructive.
The first nuclear weapons were developed in the United States by an international team of scientists during World War II, mostly out of fear that the Nazis would discover the technology first and use it against the Allies.
Although many tests have been performed by various countries throughout the world, the only instance of aggressive nuclear action was that taken by the United States against Japan near the end of World War II, when bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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Fast Facts
- First nuclear weapons developed as part of the Manhattan Project
- A-Bombs (atomic bombs) use atomic fission
- H-Bombs (hydrogen bombs) use atomic fusion
- Japan bombings immediately killed 120,000 people
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Nuclear Weapons on Twitter Powered by Twitter
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RT @mdnjp Japan, U.S. should cooperate in more diverse fields http://bit.ly/23gxAO For a world without nuclear weapons.
@hashimura | November 14, 2009 09:02 AM -
JP media reports very favorably on Obama speech, especially working together to eliminate nuclear weapons. #news
@losguysjapan | November 14, 2009 08:40 AM -
JP media reports very favorably on Obama speech, especially working together to eliminate nuclear weapons. #news
@InvisibleGaijin | November 14, 2009 08:40 AM -
New United India is what we need. Cut nuclear weapons and defense spend and stop the fundos (fundamentalists)
@antifundo | November 14, 2009 08:23 AM -
obama says all nations have a right to peaceable nuclear energy...i guess he is going to let Iran have nuclear energy and nuclear weapons
@texastoms | November 14, 2009 08:21 AM
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Questions and Answers About Nuclear Weapons | View All | Ask a Question
View All Nuclear Weapons Questions (186) | Ask a QuestionBarack Obama told Russian Govt. we will remove some nuclear weapons as well as our ability to deliver them.What do you think about that? (3 Answers)I think we could learn from Saddam Hussein who (it was recently revealed) lied about having WMD's so that he would not appear vulnerable to Iran. I think publicly agreeing ... read moreWhat countries have nuclear weapons, and which ones are close? (1 Answer)According to the ISIS: Britain, France, China, India, Israel, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. Russia: 5800+ NukesUSA: 5700+ NukesFrance: 350 NukesChina: 200+UK: 200Israel: 200India: 90Pakistan: 50We also know North ... read moreWhen will Iran acquire Nuclear Weapons? (4 Answers)Iran already has it. Courtesy:A.Q. Khan of Pakistan read moreAre most modern submarines powered by a nuclear reactor? (1 Answer)Yes ,The most advanced modern submarines are powered by nuclear reactors as it has more advantages than conventional types i.e.., diesel and electrical . they are . 1.Current fourth generation ... read more
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