Final answer:
The time between a bomb being detonated and it 'going boom' can range greatly, from a few seconds for fireworks to differing timeframes for sonic booms and nuclear explosions, depending on factors like speed, altitude, proximity to observers and the type of bomb.
Step-by-step explanation:
The time between a bomb being detonated and it going boom, or essentially the time it takes for the explosion to occur, can range greatly depending on the type of bomb in question. For example, in a fireworks show, the time between fireworks detonating and going boom will follow a uniform distribution and be between one to five seconds as per the design. This timeframe is manageable due to the distance between the launch of the fireworks and the position of the observer.
Alternatively, the time between a sonic boom created by aircrafts, like space shuttles, reaching an observer varies based on factors such as the aircraft's speed, altitude, and proximity to the observer. Supersonic flights, which can produce sonic booms, are banned over populated areas to prevent damage caused by the shock waves.
Finally, nuclear bombs, such as the gun-type fission bomb for 235 U, have different mechanisms. The energy yield depends on the amount of uranium and the time it can be held together before it disassembles itself. Similarly, the 1.00-MT bomb deposits 25.0% of its energy into radiant heat when exploded a few kilometers above the ground.
Learn more about Explosion Timing