Making the Hydrogen Bomb:
Study Questions

• Name the two scientists who designed the first USA hydrogen bomb in 1952.
• Sketch and explain the "fission trigger" used in hydrogen bombs.

• How does the trigger explosion initiate thermonuclear reactions before the whole weapon blows apart?
• Explain why hydrogen bombs are also called "fission-fusion-fission" weapons.
• Where and when was the first thermonuclear weapon exploded on earth?
• Describe the maximum yields of fission weapons and fusion weapons.
• Describe as many "third generation" nuclear weapons as you can (this is an example of vertical weapons proliferation).
• Name the three National Laboratories where the USA conducts R&D (research and development) on new nuclear weapons.
• What government agency oversees the vast USA nuclear weapons enterprise?
• How does the USA produce tritium for nuclear weapons?