Final answer:
Nuclear explosions can be classified into air bursts, surface bursts, and underwater bursts, with each type having distinct characteristics and impacts. Fission and thermonuclear bombs have varying yields and produce significant thermal energy and radiation. The health impacts include immediate injury and long-term genetic and cancer risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nuclear explosions can be categorized into different types based on their location of detonation. An Air Burst is an explosion where a nuclear device is detonated above the ground, creating a large blast wave and intense thermal radiation with less fallout compared to a surface burst. A Surface Burst occurs at or slightly above the surface, resulting in significant amounts of radioactive fallout and a powerful shock wave. An Underwater Burst takes place beneath the surface of water, causing an extensive water column and potentially contaminating large areas with fallout.
When discussing the dangers of nuclear explosions, it's important to consider fission and thermonuclear bombs. Fission bombs use nuclear fission alone, while thermonuclear bombs use a combination of fission and fusion. These weapons yield a vast amount of energy varying from about 0.1 kilotons (kT) to 20 megatons (MT). They release a larger portion of their energy as thermal energy compared to conventional explosives and also produce immediate and residual radiation, which can be adjusted in neutron bombs to irradiate troops without the extensive blast damage.
The ill effects of a nuclear explosion are profound, including immediate damage from blast and heat, long-term environmental contamination, and severe health impacts like radiation sickness, cancer, and genetic damage.