Can a Magnetic Field Stop a Nuclear Bomb?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MD Device
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bomb Nuclear
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a magnetic field to prevent a nuclear bomb from detonating. Participants explore theoretical approaches to stopping a nuclear bomb before it explodes, focusing on the roles of atomic particles and the mechanics of nuclear reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that generating a magnetic field could help keep protons and electrons together to prevent a nuclear explosion, likening it to breaking a single stick versus many sticks bound together.
  • Another participant asserts that electrons do not play a significant role in the nuclear bomb's detonation process, although they acknowledge their involvement in the electronic control systems.
  • A further response challenges the initial proposal, stating that fission occurs in the nucleus and that an intense magnetic field would not influence this process, while also noting that disabling control systems could prevent initiation.
  • One participant humorously references a fictional character, suggesting a light-hearted take on the discussion.
  • Another participant clarifies that the nuclear reaction is initiated by an explosive shell that compresses the fissile material, emphasizing the mechanics of the detonation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of electrons in nuclear bombs and the effectiveness of magnetic fields in preventing detonation. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made regarding the influence of magnetic fields on nuclear fission and the role of electronic controls in the detonation process. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

MD Device
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
So I was thinking about ways to stop the nuclear bomb and I know enough to say that it is close to impossible to stop a nuclear bomb once it has detonated. So, the only time to stop it is before it explodes. What if we generated a magnetic field in which the protons and electrons within it would rapidly come together to keep the initial atom together? Sort of like breaking one stick versus breaking one hundred sticks bound together.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Electrons have no role in a nuclear bomb.
 
mathman said:
Electrons have no role in a nuclear bomb.
Well, in the sense that the controls are electronic, electrons do play a role, as in any control system.
MD Device said:
What if we generated a magnetic field in which the protons and electrons within it would rapidly come together to keep the initial atom together?
No, this is not how it works. Fission occurs in the nucleus, and an intense magnetic field will not affect the fission process. Certainly, damaging/disabling the control system and interlocks can prevent the system from initiating.
 
Ask Sledge Hammer. :eek:
 
In fact, the nuclear reaction is started by setting off an explosive shell the pushed the material tightly together.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
16K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
9K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K