Electromagnetic pulse: Difference between revisions
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'''EMP''', short for electromagnetic pulse, is often used in stories to take out anything electronic. Sometimes shown to be a temporary effect (especially when the [[Rule of Fun]] applies in games), it usually results in the permanent disabling of electronic systems. |
'''EMP''', short for electromagnetic pulse, is often used in stories to take out anything electronic. Sometimes shown to be a temporary effect (especially when the [[Rule of Fun]] applies in games), it usually results in the permanent disabling of electronic systems. |
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Now for a more detailed [http://www.fas.org/nuke/intro/nuke/emp.htm explanation]. |
Now for a more detailed [https://web.archive.org/web/20131026172746/http://www.fas.org/nuke/intro/nuke/emp.htm explanation]. |
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When a nuclear warhead explodes, it releases a LOT of gamma rays, which are photons with tons of energy. When these photons travel through air, they strip electrons off the air molecules as they zoom past. This is called "ionizing" the air. Because those photons are so very energetic, they do it over a very long distance and make a huge volume of ionized air. |
When a nuclear warhead explodes, it releases a LOT of gamma rays, which are photons with tons of energy. When these photons travel through air, they strip electrons off the air molecules as they zoom past. This is called "ionizing" the air. Because those photons are so very energetic, they do it over a very long distance and make a huge volume of ionized air. |
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