Final answer:
A 0.500-kT neutron bomb has a smaller blast yield but a greater prompt radiation yield compared to a 1.00-kT conventional nuclear bomb. The neutron bomb is designed to maximize radiation to affect enemy troops with minimal blast damage, which is why its blast yield is smaller, and its prompt radiation yield is greater. Therefore, the answer to the given question is: (a) Smaller; (b) Greater, which corresponds to option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing the effects of a 0.500-kT radiation-enhanced weapon and a 1.00-kT conventional nuclear bomb involves examining the energy distribution between blast yield and prompt radiation yield. A neutron bomb, also known as a radiation-enhanced weapon, is designed to have a smaller total yield but produce more prompt radiation compared to a conventional nuclear weapon. This capability is due to the adjustment of the nuclear reaction to favor the production of high-energy neutrons over a larger blast.
(a) When comparing the blast yields of both weapons, the 0.500-kT radiation-enhanced weapon has a smaller blast yield than the 1.00-kT conventional nuclear bomb. This is because a significant portion of the energy from a radiation-enhanced weapon is allocated to radiation production rather than blast.
(b) In terms of prompt radiation yields, the radiation-enhanced weapon exceeds the conventional bomb despite having half the total energy yield. Neutron bombs are specifically engineered to maximize radiation output, thus they deliver greater levels of prompt radiation to incapacitate enemy forces while minimizing blast damage to surrounding areas, including potentially friendly forces. Therefore, the answer to the given question is: (a) Smaller; (b) Greater, which corresponds to option a).