Plutonium Pit (Noun)
Meaning
A steel or beryllium sphere containing plutonium 239 that triggers nuclear fission when compressed by explosives.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The plutonium pit is the primary component of a nuclear warhead, responsible for initiating the chain reaction.
- Scientists carefully handled the plutonium pit, aware of its extreme toxicity and potential for catastrophic consequences.
- The design of the plutonium pit was a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few within the nuclear research facility.
- During the manufacturing process, the plutonium pit was carefully inserted into the warhead's core, surrounded by a layer of high explosives.
- The plutonium pit's spherical shape allowed for maximum compression and efficiency when detonated, releasing an enormous amount of energy.