4-6: Radiological & Nuclear Defense

Question 1

How is energy released from a nuclear explosion and conventional explosion?

Answer 1

conventional: release of energy rearranges elements into different relationships but each original element is still present
nuclear: release of energy in the form of ionizing radiation, resulting from a nuclear reaction that changes original elements into different elements

Question 2

What are the three types of nuclear weapons?

Answer 2

Fission, Fusion, Radiation Dispersal Device (RDD)

Question 3

What is a chemical element?

Answer 3

substances of which all matter is composed

Question 4

What makes up the nucleus?

Answer 4

protons and neutrons

Question 5

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Answer 5

fission: splitting of atoms, when free neutrons collides at sufficient speed causing a chain reaction then nuclear explosion
fusion: isotopes of light elements are combined to form nuclei of heavier elements

Question 6

What is a RDD?

Answer 6

Radiological Dispersal Device AKA dirty bomb explodes to scatter radioactive material

Question 7

What are the two types of nuclear radiation?

Answer 7

High speed particle (neutron, alpha, beta; only neutron can penetrate hull), Electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays, can penetrate hull)

Question 8

configured the same as nuclei of atoms, does not travel far, cannot penetrate skin, if ingested/inhaled it can cause damage to vital organs

Answer 8

Alpha particles

Question 9

when a neutron decomposes into a proton and an electron, can travel 10 ft, can burn skin but does not penetrate protective clothing

Answer 9

Beta particles

Question 10

high frequency waves of energy similar to radio signals, greater penetrating power than alpha and beta, can travel 1000s of yards, can penetrate ships hull easily

Answer 10

Gamma rays

Question 11

What are the effects of a nuclear detonation?

Answer 11

Blast, Thermal radiation, Nuclear radiation (initial and residual), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), Transient Radiation Effects on Electronics (TREE)

Question 12

Effect of Thermal Radiation

Answer 12

burns miles from the blast, flash blindedness

Question 13

How does EMP and TREE affect electronic equipment?

Answer 13

EMP: similar to lightning, overloads circuitry causing disruption/damage
TREE: gamma rays and neutrons disrupting

Question 14

What are the 5 different nuclear detonations?

Answer 14

High altitude, Air burst, Surface burst, Underwater Burst, Underground burst

Question 15

burst takes place at 100k ft or higher, size of source region much larger than if it were to occur on land, visible light, EMP

Answer 15

High Altitude

Question 16

takes place below 100k ft, thermal radiation, air blast, intense visible light

Answer 16

Air burst

Question 17

at surface of earth, thermal radiation, intense visible light, air blast, underwater shock, fall-out

Answer 17

Surface burst

Question 18

-underwater shock, blueout, fall out/rain out

Answer 18

Underwater burst

Question 19

base surge is a dust cloud

Answer 19

Underground burst

Question 20

Ship radiological countermeasures

Answer 20

severe weather procedures (set zebra, tie down missiles), set Circle Williams, CMWD, flash gear, M50 mask

Question 21

What masks and equipment is used for respiratory protection?

Answer 21

M50

Question 22

When are the degree of protection requirements most stringent?

Answer 22

MOPP-4

Question 23

MOPP-1

Answer 23

-when SUSPECTED nuclear threat
-ensure RADIAC instruments are calibrates and op tested

Question 24

MOPP-2

Answer 24

-when POSSIBLE nuclear attack
-mask worn in carrier by all
-DCA tests CMWD and nuclear alarm
-CO sets modified Zebra

Question 25

MOPP-3

Answer 25

-when nuclear attack is PROBABLE
-CO sets GQ
-CO sets Zebra
-Move absorbent/flammable material below
-non-essential personnel move to ready-shelter stations
-CWMD activated intermittently

Question 26

MOPP-4

Answer 26

-nuclear attack IMMINENT
-CO sets GQ
-DCA ensures Zebra and Circle Williams is set
-send as many people as possible to deep shelter
-CMWD activated continously

Question 27

What are the basic functions for radiological decontamination?

Answer 27

To keep fall-out particles from sticking to ship, getting on personnel

Question 28

Major actions during a nuclear attack

Answer 28

all topside personnel seek shelter, maneuver ship to deal with base surge (bow toward detonation), set up instruments to detect

Question 29

Techniques used for ship decon

Answer 29

top to bottom, FWD to AFT, WIND to LEE