Which terrorist tactic involves an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave, and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water, and ground surfaces for miles around?

Which terrorist tactic involves an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave, and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water, and ground surfaces for miles around?

• A. Nuclear blast
• B. Chemical attack
• C. Biological attack
• D. Radiological dispersion

Answer: (A)

This description points to a nuclear blast. It combines three hallmark effects: an intense flash of light and heat from the fireball, a destructive blast overpressure that can shatter structures, and the spread of radioactive material that can contaminate air, water, and ground over large distances. A radiological dispersion device can spread radioactive material, but it does not produce the massive explosive yield or the intense heat of a nuclear detonation. Chemical or biological attacks involve toxic chemicals or pathogens, respectively, and do not inherently involve widespread radioactive contamination. So the scenario best fits a nuclear blast.

This description points to a nuclear blast. It combines three hallmark effects: an intense flash of light and heat from the fireball, a destructive blast overpressure that can shatter structures, and the spread of radioactive material that can contaminate air, water, and ground over large distances. A radiological dispersion device can spread radioactive material, but it does not produce the massive explosive yield or the intense heat of a nuclear detonation. Chemical or biological attacks involve toxic chemicals or pathogens, respectively, and do not inherently involve widespread radioactive contamination. So the scenario best fits a nuclear blast.