What is the smallest possible nuclear weapon and what are its potential uses?

  • Thread starter Eridanus1
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses different aspects of nuclear weapons, including their explosive potential and possible use against extraterrestrial threats. It also mentions the development of smaller nuclear weapons and their potential military applications. There is also a mention of the controversial use of nuclear weapons in civil works.
  • #1
Eridanus1
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What is the biggest explosive potential of a nuclear weapon? Is it a deuterium-tritium based chain reaction or something more advanced than that?

If the film 'Independence Day' became real, what could we use to zap the alien ships? What is the ultimate destructive weapons at our disposal in this era?

thnx,
Eridanus1
 
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  • #3
Wow, that Tzar Bomba is a freakin big ass bomb.
 
  • #4
I hope we never hsve to use it... on our fellow mankind (pacifist!)

Eridanus1
 
  • #5
Eridanus1, there was also the project "plowshare": the use of nuclear weapons in civil works.
 
  • #6
I have to agree that the question of what is the smallest possible nuclear weapon (strictly speaking more of an engineering question) is more interesting than the largest possible one. There is very little need to blow up an entire country with one weapon, as opposed to the several hundred that will do the job now. In contrast, there are numerous military applications for very small but potent weapons (so called "tactical nuclear weapons"), although whether or not this is prudent is another question.

This source reports that the smallest nuclear weapon made by the U.S. was a little less than 25 kg and had a 10 ton to 1 kiloton yield. It suggests that it is possible that nuclear weapons in the 1kg to 4kg range may have been made.

http://www.tinyvital.com/Misc/nukes.htm
 
Last edited:

1. What are deuterium-tritium explosives?

Deuterium-tritium explosives are a type of nuclear weapon that use a combination of the hydrogen isotopes deuterium (D) and tritium (T) to create a powerful explosion. This combination of isotopes is also known as "heavy water".

2. How do deuterium-tritium explosives work?

Deuterium-tritium explosives work by using the energy released from the fusion of deuterium and tritium nuclei to create a chain reaction of nuclear fusion. This creates a massive release of energy, similar to the process that powers the sun.

3. Are deuterium-tritium explosives more powerful than other types of nuclear weapons?

Yes, deuterium-tritium explosives are considered to be the most powerful type of nuclear weapon. They have a higher energy output than both fission (uranium and plutonium) bombs and other fusion bombs that use different isotopes.

4. What are the risks associated with deuterium-tritium explosives?

The main risk associated with deuterium-tritium explosives is the potential for widespread destruction and loss of life if they are used in warfare. There is also the risk of radiation exposure and contamination from the nuclear fallout.

5. Are deuterium-tritium explosives currently in use?

Deuterium-tritium explosives are not currently in use as weapons, but they have been tested and developed by various countries in the past. They are also used in controlled experiments for scientific research and in some types of nuclear power plants.

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