How to Defuse an Atomic Bomb

Since its first use in 1945, the atomic bomb has been something to fear. In all likelihood you will never come across an atomic bomb nearing detonation, and there is an even smaller possibility that you will be the most qualified person to stop it from exploding. If these situations do arise, however, knowing how to defuse the bomb could save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hazmat Suit (if possible)
• Gloves (if possible)
• Wire cutters (if possible)
• 2 Metal boxes (if possible)

Defuse an Atomic Bomb

1. Start by disconnecting the wires that connect the detonator to the battery or trigger/timer. You can distinguish the timer because it will be counting down. A battery will look just like a battery, no highly evolved science involved. Be careful when doing this step. If the bomb is booby-trapped, it's likely that the trap involves one of the materials discussed in this step. This is why it is almost always safer to involve the authorities if there is enough time.

2. Remove the neutron trigger of the bomb. This will either be a small ball or disc made of some highly radioactive material. This is the part that initiates the explosion. It would be a good idea to have on a Hazmat suit or gloves if you have any. Sit the neutron trigger aside. The bomb still has the capability to detonate, but it will not be as bad as it would have.

3. Remove the conventional explosion from the bomb. This is the first part of the bomb that explodes if the bomb detonates. If the conventional explosion was created by the government, it is probably safe to handle. If the devise was improvised, however, it could be highly unstable. Move steady and slow.

4. Separate the two small chunks of metal (they will be heavy for their size). These are called U-235 masses, AKA an isotope of uranium. If you allow these two chunks of metal to get too close to each other, they will emit high amounts of radiation and may kill anything (including you) in the vicinity. If these chunks are kept apart, they are fairly harmless. They can even be held without gloves, but once again, if you have gloves, wearing them wouldn't hurt.

5. Place the chunks into separate metal boxes if you have any. If not, get the pieces as far from each other as possible. If you haven't already called the authorities, do so immediately and let them know the situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Call the authorities as soon as possible.
• Be extremely careful. You cannot try again if you make a mistake.
• If there is enough time for authorities to arrive and defuse the bomb, your best bet may be to make the 911 call on your way out of the building, and consequently, the city.
• These steps should only be undertaken if there is absolutely no time for proper authorities to arrive. If there is enough time for authorities to arrive and defuse the bomb, you may be risking lives by attempting to defuse it yourself.

[heatseekingcat]

on 10/22/2009 Now I know. There is a severe limit to the length one can post.

[heatseekingcat]

on 10/22/2009 First thing, that photo of an atom bomb blast should have a red rubber stamp plonked across it that reads, "English Teacher Was Here".

Plonk!

The odds that an average joe will ever find themselves in the position of being responsible for disarming a ticking atom bomb are *preeeetty* slim; the odds that that same joe will be carrying these instructions at the appointed time is somewhere in the neighborhood of the odds that one of the atoms in the pupil of your eyeball will spontaneously decay just as you read this.

Given that we are talking about something in the realm of "anything is possible" I can speak confidently about what would really happen if this situation should ever come to pass.

An English teacher and a few of his charges would enter the fateful roomand one of his students would feverishly search his pockets for the crumpled instructions that he had faithfully carried...

[zzmike]

on 10/21/2009 Before you start, you'll need a #2 Phillips head screwdriver. (If you've done this before, you'll already have these.)

If the timer reads less than 45 seconds before you start, switch immediately to Plan B: run away as fast as you can.

It is unwise to use the screwdriver as a chisel to remove the explosive.

When you remove the U235 masses, try not to put them on the neutron trigger.

If you have to walk any distance carrying the masses, hold one in each hand, arms straight out.

Once the situation is under control, one (only one!) of the masses may be placed in a tea-kettle, and in about 2 minutes, you'll be ready for a nice hot cup of tea.

[johnkilmy]

on 10/19/2009 Man that would be intensely hot!
http://www.electroniccigarettesinc.com

[elchupanibre]

on 10/19/2009 Oh my God! Thank goodness I found this post! I was just on the toilet in a local train station and found a ticking bomb! Unfortunately there weren't just two pieces of uranium but several pieces of plutonium.
But I luckily got away with losing the skin on my hands and arms. But YAY I'm a hero and all thanks to you!
For some reason though, nobody answers the phone when I ring 911. Are you sure it's the same number everywhere?