Have you ever thought that there can be such a weapon that can destroy a metropolis in just a few seconds? The explosion whose brightness is like the sun and whose heat is beyond human imagination? Yes, we are talking about the hydrogen bomb or thermonuclear bomb - the deadliest weapon ever created by humanity.

It is much more powerful than an ordinary atomic bomb. As much damage as an atomic bomb does to a city, a hydrogen bomb can do to many cities and surrounding areas. The force of this explosion is such that it leaves an impact on the environment, human life and future generations.

Fission vs Fusion: Kismen Hai Asli Dhamaka?

• Atomic bombs are based on nuclear fission, in which heavy elements such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239 break down. The bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 were based on this technology, with a yield of 15 and 21 kilotons respectively.
• A hydrogen bomb is powered by nuclear fusion. In this, isotopes of hydrogen like deuterium and tritium combine to form helium and in this process, so much energy is released that the earth shines like the sun.

The 'Tsar Bomba' tested by Russia in 1961 was the world's most powerful bomb - 50 megatons, 3,000 times more deadly than Hiroshima.

How does a hydrogen bomb work?

A hydrogen bomb destroys two stages:

1. First stage (fission): A small atomic bomb explodes, producing temperatures of millions of degrees Celsius and high pressures.
2. Second stage (Fusion): Deuterium and tritium fuse with this heat and a fierce fusion reaction takes place, due to which the power of the bomb increases many times.

It also uses lithium deuteride, which further accelerates the fusion process by forming tritium.

Radiation havoc: not just the explosion, the effects for years

1. Immediate radiation: Immediately after the explosion, gamma rays and neutrons can burn up the entire area.
2. Radioactive Fallout : These toxic particles are spread hundreds of kilometers by wind and rain.
3. Long-term effects: These particles poison soil, water, and air for years—causing cancer, genetic diseases, and ecological devastation.

An example of this is the 'Castle Bravo' test of 1954, which affected the Marshall Islands for decades.

Who has the power of 'Ultimate Destruction'?

If the hydrogen bomb explodes, then what?

1. Instant destruction : A 50 megaton bomb can destroy anything up to 25-30 km.
2. Heat wave : Burns and fire can spread up to 100 km.
3. Radioactive fallout : Food, water resources and health are all affected.
4. Environmental Devastation: Depletion of the Ozone Layer, Acceleration of Climate Change.
5. Human loss: A single explosion can kill millions of people and affect many generations.