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To: No Blue States
How much was in the Hiroshima bomb?

That bomb had 110 pounds on enriched Uranium in a concave/bullet spherical configuration necessary to facilitate a chain reaction. The bomb had a 12.5 kiloton explosive yield.

The Nagasaki bomb held 35 pounds of Plutonium with a 32-part implosion detonator coupled with a Beryllium/Polonium injector in order to facilitate the chain reaction. That bomb also had a 12.5 kilton explosive yield.

Thermonuclear (fusion) bombs are another story altogether...

40 posted on 12/23/2003 6:29:49 PM PST by Prime Choice (Americans are a spiritual people. We're happy to help members of al Qaeda meet God.)
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To: Prime Choice
So what could be done with 37 lbs of HEU today, any idea?
50 posted on 12/23/2003 6:39:02 PM PST by No Blue States
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To: Prime Choice
Thermonuclear (fusion) bombs are another story altogether...

Some tritium, a little lithium and a fancier casing.

53 posted on 12/23/2003 6:42:30 PM PST by Orangedog (Remain calm...all is well! [/sarcasm])
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To: Prime Choice
The Beryllium/Polonium combination emits neutrons to help get the reaction started.
208 posted on 12/24/2003 7:07:17 AM PST by snopercod (CAUTION: Do not operate heavy equipment while reading this post.)
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