Will a nuke detonate in space?

In summary, the presence or absence of a gravitational potential field has no significant effect on the fission and fusion of atoms in a nuclear reaction. This is because the gravitational force is much weaker than the nuclear and electrostatic forces involved. Additionally, chain reactions in both fission and fusion are dependent on other factors such as the collision of neutrons and high temperatures, rather than gravity. This is evidenced by previous nuclear tests conducted in space and fears that the Soviet Union would hide tests on the far side of the Moon.
  • #1
comsat
1
0
Will zero gravity effect the fission and fusion of the atoms making a chain reaction impossibile
 
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  • #2
No.



.
 
  • #3
Nukes have been tested in space before:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfish_Prime

There were also fears by the United States that the Soviet Union would try to hide nuclear tests on the far side of the Moon.
 
  • #4
Borek said:
No.



.
Clarification: Answer to the question in the title: Yes. Answer to the question in the post: No.
 
  • #5
comsat said:
Will zero gravity effect the fission and fusion of the atoms making a chain reaction impossibile

The presence or absence of a gravitational potential field has virtually no effect on the progress of nuclear reactions, because the gravitational force is so many times weaker than nuclear forces that cause an explosion and the electrostatic forces that hold the device together.
 
  • #6
chain reaction (fission) is dependent on the neutrons hitting the nucleus of the atoms then producing more neutrons, nothing 2 do with gravity...

chain reaction in fusion is dependent on high temperature (high kinetic energy) of the nucleus so they collide so hard that they fuse together... so also nothing 2 do with gravity...
 

1. What would happen if a nuke detonated in space?

If a nuke were to detonate in space, it would still produce a powerful explosion, but it would not have the same destructive effects as a nuclear bomb detonated on Earth. This is because there is no atmosphere in space to contain and amplify the blast wave, so the explosion would dissipate more quickly.

2. Can a nuke detonate in space?

Yes, a nuke can be detonated in space. In fact, the United States and the Soviet Union have both conducted nuclear tests in space during the Cold War era. However, these tests were conducted in the upper atmosphere, not in the vacuum of outer space.

3. What would be the impact of a nuke detonated in space on Earth?

If a nuke were to detonate in outer space, it would not directly impact Earth. However, it could still have long-term effects on our planet. The explosion could release a large amount of radiation and electromagnetic pulses, which could potentially damage satellites and other technology in orbit.

4. Could a nuke detonated in space cause a global catastrophe?

It is unlikely that a nuke detonated in space would cause a global catastrophe. As mentioned before, the effects of a nuclear explosion in space would be significantly reduced due to the lack of atmosphere. Additionally, most countries have signed treaties prohibiting the use of nuclear weapons in space.

5. Has a nuke ever been detonated in space?

Yes, both the United States and the Soviet Union conducted nuclear tests in space during the Cold War era. The US conducted three tests as part of the Operation Fishbowl series in 1962, while the Soviet Union conducted a series of tests known as the K Project in 1961.

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