Why is a Hydrogen bomb called a hydrogen bomb?

In summary, a teller-ulam device uses lithium deuteride as its nuclear fuel, which is composed of hydrogen isotopes. The fusion process is mainly driven by tritium and deuterium, which are created when the lithium decomposes during detonation. Despite its name, a hydrogen bomb's fuel is primarily made up of lithium deuteride, not pure hydrogen.
  • #1
nukeman
655
0
I know that a teller-ulam device uses lithium deuteride as its nuclear fuel.

I know very little about chemistry, but why is a hydrogen bomb called a hydrogen bomb, if its nuclear fuel is lithium deuteride?

Is it the hydrogen atom in the lithium deuteride that creates the fusion process?
 
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  • #2
Lithium bomb sounds sissified.

Really though it's the tritium and deuterium that undergoes fusion.
 
  • #3
Deuteride as in LiD, is hydrogen with 1 neutron and 1 proton. In the flux of the detonation, the lithium decomposes into tritium (2 for 1) in the case of lithium6, and tritium and a neutron in the case of lithium7. As I recall, lithium is 60/40 6 and 7. Or maybe I have that backwards . . .

Anyhow, the lithium deuteride is pretty much all hydrogen isotopes by the time it is consumed and 'burned' into helium.
 

1. Why is a Hydrogen bomb called a hydrogen bomb?

The name "hydrogen bomb" comes from the fact that the bomb uses a process called nuclear fusion, which fuses hydrogen atoms together to create a more powerful explosion.

2. How is a Hydrogen bomb different from a regular atomic bomb?

A regular atomic bomb uses a process called nuclear fission, which splits atoms apart to create an explosion. A hydrogen bomb, on the other hand, uses both nuclear fission and fusion, making it much more powerful.

3. Who invented the Hydrogen bomb?

The first successful test of a Hydrogen bomb was conducted by the United States in 1952. However, the idea and research behind the bomb were developed by a team of scientists including Edward Teller, Stanislaw Ulam, and Enrico Fermi.

4. How does a Hydrogen bomb work?

A Hydrogen bomb works by using a small atomic bomb to create the intense heat and pressure necessary for nuclear fusion to occur. This fusion reaction releases a tremendous amount of energy, resulting in a devastating explosion.

5. Are Hydrogen bombs still used today?

Yes, Hydrogen bombs are still used today, mostly as a deterrent against nuclear attacks. However, there have been efforts to reduce and eliminate their use through international treaties such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

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