Atomic vs Nuclear Bombs: What's the Difference?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between atomic bombs and nuclear bombs. An atomic bomb, also known as an A-bomb or fission bomb, utilizes the process of nuclear fission, where heavy elements like plutonium are split into lighter elements, releasing energy. In contrast, a hydrogen bomb, referred to as an H-bomb or fusion bomb, harnesses nuclear fusion, where light elements such as hydrogen combine to form heavier elements like helium, resulting in significantly greater energy release. The term "nuclear bomb" is preferred as it encompasses both fission and fusion processes, while "atomic bomb" is considered less descriptive.

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  • Knowledge of binding energy concepts
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Is there a difference between an atomic bomb and a nuclear bomb? or it's two names for one kind of bomb?
I am so confused :confused: !
 
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Wiki is your friend:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon

In a nutshell:

An atom bomb (or A-bomb or fission bomb) exploits the power released when a heavy element such as plutonium is split into two lighter elements.

A hydrogen bomb (or H-bomb or fusion bomb) exploits the power released when a light element such as hydrogen is fused into a heavier element such as helium.


If you look up "binding energy", you'll see http://www.alaskajohn.com/physics/charts/binding_energy.jpg" . A reaction that jumps up the chart (such as U > Kr (not listed) or H > He) releases a corresponding amount of energy.

Considering the height that He is above H, it becomes apparent why H-bombs are much more powerful than A-bombs.
 
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But the question was about "atomic" vs "nuclear"... My understanding was that the word "atomic" fell out of favor because it isn't quite descriptive: the energy comes from the nucleus of the atom, hence "nuclear".
 
russ_watters said:
But the question was about "atomic" vs "nuclear"... My understanding was that the word "atomic" fell out of favor because it isn't quite descriptive: the energy comes from the nucleus of the atom, hence "nuclear".

i think, the common usage also meant that "atomic bomb" precluded the fusion bomb, but "nuclear bomb" could mean either fission or fusion bomb.
 

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