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Atom Bombs

Definition

A type of nuclear weapon that uses nuclear fission to release a huge amount of energy in the form of a destructive explosion.

Analogy

Think of an atom bomb like a domino effect. One neutron strikes an atom, causing it to split and release more neutrons which then strike other atoms, creating a chain reaction that results in a massive explosion.

Related terms

Fat Man/Little Boy: The codenames for the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan by the United States during World War II.

Enriched Uranium/Plutonium: These are types of radioactive materials used as fuel in atomic bombs.

Trinity Test: The first detonation of a nuclear device carried out by the United States as part of Manhattan Project.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.