Nuclear weapons

Nuclear weapons are explosive devices that release energy through nuclear reactions. They have been used twice in warfare, first by the United States against Japan during World War II and then by the Soviet Union against China in 1969. Nuclear weapons possess immense destructive power, which ranges from a small tactical weapon to a large strategic one capable of wiping out entire cities or countries.

History
The development of nuclear technology began during World War II when scientists working on the Manhattan Project developed two types of atomic bombs: fission (Little Boy) and fusion (Fat Man). The US dropped Little Boy on Hiroshima in August 1945 and Fat Man three days later on Nagasaki; both bombings caused tremendous destruction with estimates ranging from around 90,000–166,000 people killed outright at Hiroshima and 39,000–80,000 dead as a result of injuries at Nagasaki. These events marked the only time nuclear weapons were ever used for warfare purposes.

In 1949, after several years of research conducted secretly under Joseph Stalin’s orders – known as ‘Project K’ -the Soviets successfully tested their first atomic bomb using uranium-235 fuel near Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan . Following this test , other nations such as France , United Kingdom , India , Pakistan etc also developed their own versions either independently or via help from existing states like USA & USSR .By 1964 over 20 000 warheads had been produced worldwide although most modern day warhead production is limited due to treaties signed between various powers attempting to limit proliferation & use

Types Of Weapons There are two main categories into which all nuclear weapons can be divided depending upon how they work: fission bombs (“atomic” or “A-bombs”)and thermonuclear bombs(“hydrogen”or “H-bombs”). Fission bombs rely primarily upon splitting atoms while thermonuclear ones involve combining them; both processes create huge amountsof energy released almost instantly once detonated making these incredibly powerful explosives . In addition there exist subcategories within each type including boosted fissions (which increase yield without needing additional materials )& variable yield designs allowing user selectable destructiveness levels based off same model design . There’s even theorized existence certain “superweapons” such neutron/salted bomb whose effects could theoretically render area uninhabitable generations afterwards though construction practicality issues make it unlikely we will see any built anytime soon if ever

Effects On Society Nuclear weaponry has had an undeniable impact on our society since its invention nearly 80 years ago – it ushered us into age mass destruction strategy wherein single detonation could cause catastrophic damage far greater than what was previously possible with conventional explosives alone ; furthermore because physical nature creates extreme radiation hazards survivability rates greatly reduced should attack occur resulting heightened fear potential global conflict held many governments hostage throughout Cold War period until mutual disarmament agreements were eventually reached late 1990s helping bring international tensions down significantly since then but still leaving significant arsenals stockpiled world wide today

Disarmament Efforts Since end Cold War efforts towards total global disarmament increased dramatically led mostly thanks initiatives taken up UN Security Council members leading negotiations aimed reducing size respective nation’s arsenal well regulating transfer ownership military grade material third party sources however despite best intentions progress slow owing continued political unrest some regions preventing full implementation plans originally proposed meaning ultimate goal complete arms elimination remains yet unfulfilled