Atomic Weapons

Definition

Atomic weapons, also known as nuclear weapons, are explosive devices that derive their destructive force from nuclear reactions. They can cause massive destruction and loss of life.

Related terms

Nuclear Fission: The process by which the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This is the process that powers atomic weapons.

Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and Soviet Union following World War II where the threat of nuclear warfare was ever-present.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD): A doctrine of military strategy where full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two opposing sides would effectively result in the destruction of both attacker and defender.