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The atomic bomb is a powerful explosive nuclear weapon fueled by the splitting, or fission, of the nuclei of specific isotopes of uranium or plutonium in a chain reaction. The strength of the explosion created by an atomic bomb is on the order of the strength of the explosion that would be created by thousands of tons of TNT. An atomic bomb must provide enough mass of plutonium or uranium to reach critical mass, the …

…times that a nuclear weapon has been used in a conflict between nations. Several nations have exploded nuclear devices in tests in the atmosphere, under the earth, and under the sea. Only the United States, Russia, Great Britain, France, and the People’s Republic of China admit to possessing nuclear weapons. Other nations, however, including Israel and South Africa, are thought to have them as well, or to have the capability to assemble them quickly.