how far can a atomic bomb reach

The distance an atomic bomb can reach depends on several factors, including:

1. Yield: The size of the bomb, measured in kilotons (kt) or megatons (Mt). A larger yield means a larger blast radius.
2. Type: The type of bomb, such as a nuclear fission bomb (e.g., atomic bomb) or a thermonuclear bomb (e.g., hydrogen bomb).
3. Altitude: The height at which the bomb is detonated. A higher altitude means a larger blast radius.
4. Weather: Weather conditions, such as wind and atmospheric pressure, can affect the spread of radiation and the blast wave.

Here are some approximate distances for different effects of an atomic bomb:

Blast Wave:

• Fireball radius: 1-5 km (0.6-3.1 miles) – the area where the bomb’s energy is released, causing intense heat and destruction.
• Blast wave radius: 5-15 km (3.1-9.3 miles) – the area where the shockwave from the blast can cause significant damage to buildings and structures.
• Overpressure radius: 15-30 km (9.3-18.6 miles) – the area where the blast wave can cause damage to buildings and structures, but with decreasing intensity.

Thermal Radiation:

• Third-degree burns: 5-10 km (3.1-6.2 miles) – the area where people can suffer severe burns from the intense heat.
• Second-degree burns: 10-20 km (6.2-12.4 miles) – the area where people can suffer moderate burns.

Radiation:

• Lethal radiation dose: 1-5 km (0.6-3.1 miles) – the area where people can receive a lethal dose of radiation.
• Radiation sickness: 5-20 km (3.1-12.4 miles) – the area where people can suffer from radiation sickness.

Fallout:

• Immediate fallout: 10-50 km (6.2-31 miles) – the area where radioactive particles can fall to the ground, contaminating the environment.
• Long-term fallout: 50-500 km (31-310 miles) – the area where radioactive particles can be carried by winds, contaminating the environment over a longer period.

Keep in mind that these distances are approximate and can vary greatly depending on the specific bomb and detonation conditions.

Some examples of atomic bombs and their estimated blast radii:

• Little Boy (Hiroshima, 1945): 15 kt, fireball radius: 1.5 km (0.9 miles), blast wave radius: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Fat Man (Nagasaki, 1945): 21 kt, fireball radius: 2 km (1.2 miles), blast wave radius: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Tsar Bomba (1961): 50 Mt, fireball radius: 10 km (6.2 miles), blast wave radius: 30 km (18.6 miles)

Remember, these are rough estimates and the actual effects of an atomic bomb can vary greatly depending on many factors.