Bomb facts for kids
A bomb is a special device that holds explosive materials. When a bomb is set off, it releases a lot of energy very quickly. This creates a big shock wave, which is like a powerful burst of air that can push and damage things.
Bombs have been used for hundreds of years. Some bombs are designed to throw out sharp metal pieces. Others are firebombs, which means they create a lot of fire.
Most bombs do not have more energy than regular fuel. However, they release their energy much faster. This quick release makes them very powerful and destructive. The word "bomb" comes from the Greek word βόμβος (bombas). This word sounds like "boom" in English.
Air forces use special planes called bombers. These planes drop bombs to destroy enemy targets. Explosive materials are also used in mining to break rocks. But these are usually not called bombs.
Contents
What is a Bomb?
A bomb is basically a container filled with explosive material. It is made to cause damage when it is set off. The main idea is to release a lot of energy in a very short time. This sudden release creates a powerful force.
How Bombs Work Simply
When a bomb explodes, the explosive material inside changes very quickly. It turns into hot gases that expand super fast. This expansion creates the shock wave. It also makes a loud noise and can cause a lot of heat.
Different Types of Bombs
There are many kinds of bombs. Some are designed for specific jobs. For example, some bombs are made to destroy buildings. Others might be used to clear land. Nuclear weapons are a very powerful and special type of bomb. They use atomic energy.
History of Bombs
People have been using explosive devices for a long time. Early forms of bombs were simple containers filled with gunpowder. They were thrown by hand or launched from machines. Over centuries, bombs became more advanced. New explosive materials were discovered. Engineers also found better ways to deliver bombs. This led to the development of bombs dropped from planes.
Images for kids
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A "wind-and-dust" bomb from the Ming Dynasty book Huolongjing. It held gunpowder and was thrown at invaders.
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Bombs thrown at Manchu ladders during the siege of Ningyuan in 1635. These were called "thunder-crash bombs."
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Thunder crash bombs found from a shipwreck near Takashim, Japan. These were used during the Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century.
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A fragmentation bomb from the 14th century Ming Dynasty text Huolongjing. The black dots show iron pellets inside.
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An American B61 nuclear bomb on its loading carriage.
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A B-2 Spirit dropping forty-seven Mark 82 bombs during a test in 1994.
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An F-15E Strike Eagle releasing a GBU-28 "Bunker Buster" bomb during a test.
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Damage from Soviet bombing in Helsinki, Finland, during the Continuation War on February 6-7, 1944.
See also
In Spanish: Bomba (explosivo) para niños
