An atomic bomb is a form of nuclear weapon tied to fission reaction, rather than hydrogen bombs, which are tied to fusion reactions. The name is a bit of a misnomer: the energy of the weapon comes from the nucleus of the atom, rather than the atom itself (hence the term "nuclear" weapon).[1] To date, only two nuclear weapons have been used in war, both of them atomic bombs, and both used in World War II against Japan: "Little Boy" (dropped over Hiroshima), and "Fat Man" (dropped over Nagasaki).
In Norman Boutin's book Empress Theresa, an atomic bomb is placed on a remote-controlled F-22 Raptor for the purpose of killing Theresa Sullivan and HAL, the alien force inside her.
Role in the Story[]
President William Martin declares Theresa and HAL a danger, and has her kidnapped. She is taken to the USS Ronald Reagan, where is placed into the F-22 and sent up into the air.[2] The bomb goes off at 60,000 feet, though Theresa escapes from the F-22 at 55,000 feet.[3] Theresa describes the light as being "so intense" she could "see it through the flesh of [her] arms."[4] William Martin explained this execution to Americans in a televised address soon afterward.[5]
Later, when dealing with North Korea, the possibility of their possessing atomic bombs is a major issue.[6]
Problems[]
In her narration, Theresa says that an atomic bomb was chosen because "everybody said nothing could survive an A-bomb."[7] This isn't entirely true. In the atomic bombs used in 1945, death was dependent on the distance from ground zero: complete and utter destruction was only found within one mile of ground zero; severe damage was found 1.5 miles from ground zero; moderate damage was found within two miles of ground zero; light damage was found within 3.5 miles from ground zero.[8] Therefore, to say "nothing could survive an A-bomb" makes as much sense as saying "nothing could survive being shot in the head."
References[]
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon
- ↑ pg. 58
- ↑ pg. 59
- ↑ pg. 60
- ↑ pg. 73-74
- ↑ Chapter 24
- ↑ pg. 47
- ↑ http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Abombdamage1945.svg