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Nuclear Stability

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Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
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Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Magnetic Moment

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Production of Synthetic Nuclear Melt Glass

Production of Synthetic Nuclear Melt Glass

Published on: January 4, 2016

Postdetonation nuclear debris for attribution.

A J Fahey¹, C J Zeissler, D E Newbury

¹National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-6371, USA. albert.fahey@nist.gov

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|November 10, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Nuclear forensics can identify secondary materials in atomic devices. Microanalysis of debris from the first nuclear test links these materials to the nuclear components, aiding attribution efforts.

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Published on: December 14, 2017

Area of Science:

Nuclear Chemistry
Forensic Science
Materials Science

Background:

The first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico.
The "Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act" (US public law 111-140) enables detailed post-detonation analysis.
Attribution of nuclear devices requires analyzing both nuclear and non-nuclear materials.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate glassed ground debris from the first atomic test.
To explore correlations between multiple analytical techniques for forensic information.
To determine if secondary materials in the device can be identified and linked to nuclear material.

Main Methods:

Analysis of glassed ground debris from the 1945 Trinity test.
Application of multiple analytical techniques.
Microanalysis for detailed material characterization.

Main Results:

Strong evidence of secondary materials used in the device was found.
These secondary materials can be identified through microanalysis.
A positive association between secondary materials and the nuclear material was established.

Conclusions:

Microanalysis of debris is crucial for identifying non-nuclear components of atomic devices.
Forensic analysis of secondary materials can significantly enhance nuclear attribution.
This research validates the potential of nuclear forensics for intelligence and security purposes.