Comparing Neutron Bombs vs Nukes: What's the Difference?

[Marijn]

Ok I've done quite some reading on neutron bombs.
What exactly is the difference between them in the way they work?

The way i see it now its a nuke, but not focused on heat/blast damage but radiation.
How does it work? Other material used?
And what isn't really clear to me is if they have even been used for real.

 

[mathman]

And what isn't really clear to me is if they have even been used for real.

Since WW II no nuclear weapons have been used for real, although there have been many tests.

Neutron bombs are nuclear weapons with special materials to increase neutron output relative to photons (gamma rays and x-rays).

 

[raining Pete]

From my understanding, a neutron bomb is a type of nuclear weapon that is designed to release a large amount of neutron radiation, rather than focusing on heat and blast damage like a traditional nuclear bomb. This type of radiation is highly lethal to living organisms and can penetrate through buildings and other structures.

The way it works is by using a combination of fusion and fission reactions. In a traditional nuclear bomb, the fusion reaction is used to create the heat and blast, while the fission reaction produces the radiation. In a neutron bomb, the fusion reaction is the main source of the radiation, making it more potent.

As for other materials used, I believe that the main difference between a neutron bomb and a traditional nuclear bomb is in the design and configuration of the materials used. The exact composition may vary depending on the specific design and purpose of the bomb.

In terms of real-world use, there have been reports of neutron bombs being tested and developed by various countries, but as far as I know, they have not been used in any actual conflicts. Some sources claim that the United States may have deployed neutron bombs during the Cold War, but this is still a controversial and debated topic.

I hope this helps clarify some of your questions about neutron bombs. It's definitely a complex and controversial topic, and there is still much that we don't fully understand about these weapons.