Frequently Asked Questions

Educational Resource

This FAQ addresses common questions about nuclear weapons effects, our simulator's methodology, and the educational purpose behind this tool.

General Questions

What is the purpose of this simulator?

This simulator is an educational tool designed to promote understanding of nuclear weapons effects and support nuclear disarmament efforts. By visualizing the devastating consequences, we aim to foster informed discussions about nuclear policy and the urgent need for a nuclear-weapon-free world.

It is not intended for planning attacks, targeting, or any military purposes.

How accurate are the calculations?

Our calculations are based on scientifically validated formulas from "The Effects of Nuclear Weapons" by Glasstone & Dolan and other declassified research. However, they provide estimatesbased on idealized conditions.

Real-world effects would vary significantly due to terrain, weather, building construction, and numerous other factors. These are educational approximations, not precise predictions.

Who can use this simulator?

This simulator is intended for:

Educators and students (recommended 16+ with supervision)
Researchers and academics
Journalists and documentary makers
Peace advocates and policy makers
Anyone seeking to understand nuclear weapons consequences

Nuclear Effects Questions

What's the difference between air burst and surface burst?

Air Burst

• Detonated above ground (optimal altitude)
• Maximum blast damage over wide area
• Minimal radioactive fallout
• Used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• Preferred for maximum destruction

Surface Burst

• Detonated at ground level
• 40-50% reduced blast radius
• Massive radioactive fallout plume
• Creates large crater
• Long-term area contamination

What do the colored circles represent?

Fireball (Yellow):Complete vaporization zone. 100% fatalities. Temperature exceeds 10 million°C.

Severe Blast (Red):20 PSI overpressure. Reinforced concrete destroyed. 50-90% fatalities.

Moderate Blast (Orange):5 PSI overpressure. Most buildings collapse. 5-50% fatalities.

Light Blast (Gray):1 PSI overpressure. Windows shatter. 0-5% fatalities.

3rd Degree Burns (Magenta):Severe burns requiring immediate medical care. 50-90% fatalities if untreated.

2nd Degree Burns (Pink):Painful blistering burns. 0-5% fatalities.

How do nuclear weapons cause damage?

Nuclear weapons cause damage through multiple mechanisms:

Immediate Effects (seconds to minutes)

• Fireball: Extreme heat vaporizes everything nearby
• Thermal radiation: Intense heat causes burns and fires
• Nuclear radiation: Immediate lethal doses
• Electromagnetic pulse (EMP): Destroys electronics

Delayed Effects (minutes to years)

• Blast wave: Destroys buildings and causes injuries
• Radioactive fallout: Contamination lasting years
• Nuclear winter: Climate effects from fires/dust
• Long-term radiation: Cancer, genetic damage

How long do the effects last?

Immediate (0-1 hour):Fireball, thermal radiation, initial nuclear radiation, EMP

Short-term (hours to weeks):Blast effects, radioactive fallout, acute radiation sickness

Long-term (months to decades):Residual radiation, cancer, genetic effects, environmental damage

Generational (decades to centuries):Soil contamination, genetic damage, psychological trauma

Technical Questions

What does "yield" mean?

Yield refers to the amount of energy released by a nuclear weapon, measured in equivalent tons of TNT explosive:

1 kiloton (kt) = 1,000 tons of TNT
1 megaton (Mt) = 1,000,000 tons of TNT
Hiroshima bomb: ~15 kt
Modern strategic weapon: 100-500 kt
Largest ever tested (Tsar Bomba): 50 Mt

How are blast radii calculated?

We use scientifically validated scaling laws based on weapon yield:

Fireball radius = 0.145 × Yield^0.4 km

Severe blast = 0.482 × Yield^0.33 km

Moderate blast = 1.03 × Yield^0.33 km

Light blast = 2.93 × Yield^0.33 km

Thermal burns = 0.67 × Yield^0.41 km

These formulas are derived from extensive nuclear testing data and validated against historical weapons.

Why don't you show casualty numbers?

We focus on physical effects rather than specific casualty estimates because:

Population density varies enormously by location and time
Casualty rates depend on warning time, shelter, medical care
We want to emphasize the humanitarian consequences conceptually
Specific numbers might be misused or misinterpreted
The focus should be on prevention, not casualty counting

Safety and Legal Questions

Is this simulator dangerous or illegal?

No. This simulator is completely legal and safe:

All information is based on publicly available, declassified sources
No classified or sensitive information is disclosed
It cannot be used to build weapons or plan attacks
Educational use of nuclear effects data is protected speech
Similar tools exist in academic and policy research

However, misuse for threats, targeting, or planning violence is strictly prohibitedand will be reported to authorities.

Do you collect data about my simulations?

No. We prioritize your privacy:

All calculations run locally in your browser
No weapon selections or locations are transmitted to our servers
We don't track what you simulate or where you place weapons
No user accounts, registration, or personal data collection
Standard web server logs only (IP addresses, not simulation data)

Can I use this for my research/classroom?

Yes! Educational and research use is encouraged:

Free to use for educational purposes
No registration or permission required
Screenshots and data can be used in academic work
Please cite our methodology and data sources
Contact us for formal educational partnerships

We recommend adult supervision for users under 18 due to the mature subject matter.

Still Have Questions?

We welcome questions, feedback, and educational collaboration:

📧 info@nukeblastsimulator.com

Educational inquiries typically receive responses within 2-3 business days

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