How fast does the shockwave from an atomic bomb travel?

The blast wave propagates outward at two miles per second or 7,200 miles per hour. 1.0 second and beyond: The fireball reaches its maximum size, approximately 900 feet in diameter. The blast wave slows to approximately the speed of sound (768 miles per hour).

Can you outrun a atomic bomb?

After initial spread caused by the blast, it moves with the wind. Modern bombs are meant to be as “clean” as possible, creating little to no fallout. Even with older ones, like these from Nagasaki and Hiroshima, you probably could drive far enough to survive. Just don’t expect it to have no effects at all.

Can you outrun a shockwave?

The simple answer is: No, you cannot outrun an explosion. In other words, if you are within 26,400 feet or so of an explosive, you will get hit by the blast within one second, assuming it is powerful enough to reach you [source: Harris].

How does an a bomb cause damage?

A bomb causes damage in several different ways, depending on the point at which the explosion impacts. These different points include the blast wave, shock waves, fragmentation, heat and the blast wind.

Can an atomic bomb travel as far as it can?

Yes, it can. That’s why from the plane dropping an atomic bomb has to put as much distance between it and the explosion as possible. In the case of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Manhattan Project scientists calculated that the B-29 dropping the bombs had to be more than 8 miles from the explosion to survive the shock wave.

What happens to a blast wave when a bomb explodes?

Blast wave: When a bomb explodes, the area around the explosion becomes overpressurized, resulting in highly compressed air particles that travel faster than the speed of sound. This wave will dissipate over time and distance and will exist only for a matter of milliseconds. This initial blast wave inflicts the most damage.

How do you destroy an airplane with a nuclear bomb?

But fast and low with a nuclear bomb meant either a ground burst, limiting the damage done by the bomb, and the likelihood the airplane would be destroyed in the blast. The solution was “toss bombing” – also known as the “idiot loop.”