Final answer:
The primary purpose of a high altitude nuclear blast is electronic disruption, causing electromagnetic pulses that disrupt electrical and electronic systems. Additionally, neutron bombs are designed to emit more radiation with less blast effect to impact enemy forces while minimizing physical destruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose of a high altitude nuclear blast is electronic disruption. When nuclear weapons are detonated at high altitudes, the resulting electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can cause widespread disruptions to electrical and electronic systems. The impact of a high altitude nuclear blast on electronics is similar to the effects observed during atomic bomb tests, where power and communication systems experienced problems due to the release of energy. This phenomenon can be related to Compton scattering, where the release of light energy causes the emission of electrons, potentially interfering with electronic equipment.
Moreover, a form of nuclear weapon, known as a neutron bomb or radiation-enhanced nuclear weapon, is designed to produce more prompt radiation compared to conventional nuclear bombs, even with a smaller total yield. This design prioritizes radiation over blast effects, making it possible to affect enemy forces with radiation without causing the same level of physical destruction.
An example of a high altitude event that did not involve human technology was the disintegration of a stony projectile above the Earth, which created a blast equivalent to a 10-megaton nuclear bomb. If such events occur at high altitudes, they can sometimes go unnoticed, but are still monitored by military surveillance systems to distinguish them from weapon detonations.