A HIGHLY DANGEROUS TEST
North Korea is suspected of preparing to carry out a fourth nuclear test, South Korea said on April 22, 2014. Increased activity at its main test site has been detected, just days ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to South Korea.
Nuclear bombs are weapons of mass destruction (WMD). They can kill and seriously hurt a large number of people, destroy man-made and natural structures and harm the environment. Two famous incidents of nuclear bombings were those that happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. The bombs were so devastating that World War II ended.
When a nuclear bomb explodes, huge amounts of heat energy and radiation are given off. This is because nuclear energy is released when the particles of the nucleus of an atom are either split or merged. Elements such as uranium, plutonium and hydrogen are frequently used to make nuclear bombs.
During a nuclear explosion, radioactive material is produced. High amounts of radiation can damage living cells by killing them or changing them. Cells that have been changed can lead to cancer, disorders or deformities. Animals, plants and water supplies that have been exposed to radiation can pass on radiation poisoning to those who consume them.
Nuclear testing is done to find out how well nuclear weapons work. Some countries use nuclear testing to show off their scientific and military strength. Nuclear tests can be conducted underground, in the atmosphere, under water or in space. Countries that have carried out nuclear tests include the United States, Russia, France, China, India, Pakistan and North Korea.
Find out how underground nuclear tests are carried out in today's video.
Featured image: AFP TV
