Atomvapen

Atomvapen, or atomic weapons, are devices that release energy through nuclear reactions, either by fission of heavy nuclei, fusion of light nuclei, or a combination of both. Their energy release is vastly greater than conventional explosives.

Their development began in the 1940s with the Manhattan Project, and the first test, Trinity, occurred in 1945. The bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki later that year demonstrated their destructive potential. The Cold War era saw rapid growth in arsenals and delivery systems, accompanied by international efforts to control proliferation.

Two broad types exist: fission (atomic) bombs, which split heavy nuclei to release energy; and thermonuclear (fusion) bombs, which use a fission trigger to ignite fusion in a secondary stage. Yields vary from tens of kilotons to many megatons of TNT equivalent.

Delivery methods include gravity bombs dropped from aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Tactical variants exist with shorter ranges. Nuclear weapons are closely tied to state security and deterrence policies.

Immediate effects include blast damage, intense heat, and prompt radiation, followed by long-term consequences such as radioactive fallout and potential health impacts. High-altitude effects can include electromagnetic pulses (EMP) that disrupt electronics.

Regulation seeks to limit spread and testing. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aims to prevent further proliferation; the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans most nuclear tests; the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) bans possession and use for its signatories. A number of states possess or seek such weapons under varied legal regimes.

As of the modern era, there are thousands of nuclear warheads worldwide, with a core of deployed weapons and many more in reserve or retired stockpiles. International diplomacy continues to pursue arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation goals.