The hydrogen bomb is one of the most awesome weapons of warfare developed in recent times.
The primitive form of hydrogen bomb was the A-bomb, which contained a store of liquefied hydrogen isotopes. The atomic bomb acted as the detonator, releasing the intense power of heat essential to stimulate the reaction of fusion. The liquid type isotopes were utilized due to the fact that the atom molecules are closer together when liquefied, in comparison to a gas. The disadvantage is that liquids are very volatile and therefore extremely dangerous to store.
The modern type of hydrogen bomb contains an A-bomb trigger which is encompassed by a lining of lithium deuteride. This substance has two major faculties. It firstly retains the deuterium nuclei very tightly and very compactly. They are then in an advantageous position to undergo the fusion when heat is applied. Secondly, the lithium will create tritium when blitzed with neutrons. The tritium can then amalgamate with the deuterium.
The explosive might of a hydrogen bomb is far greater than that of an atomic bomb for two main reasons. The first consideration is that hydrogen is the most weightless of all known elements. This therefore means that hydrogen bombs can pack in many more atoms, when compared to another substance of the same mass. Secondly, the size of the hydrogen bomb, unlike the atomic bomb can in theory, be unlimited. The reason being that the A-bomb can only continue its reaction if there is a large amount of fissionable matter present. When this type of bomb explodes, the quantity of substance left over that is still usable is obviously less, and consequently the mass is insufficient and the chain reaction ceases to proceed. Yet, in the hydrogen bomb, the amalgamation will continue as long as the fusionable material is obtainable, however little the amount. The chain reaction is dependent on whether the temperature remains high enough. This means that a considerable amount of the material can be used. The only reason the size of a hydrogen bomb becomes limited is because of the aircraft's (or similar delivery system's) weight restriction and its ability to carry the load safely.
