Zombie Apocalypse: Would 1 Nuclear Bomb Defeat 99,999 Zombies?

In a hypothetical scenario where 99,999 zombies face off against a single nuclear weapon, the outcome is almost certain to favor the nuclear weapon. Faced with a nuclear explosion, the sheer destructive power of a nuke easily surpasses any conceivable resistance from the undead horde.

Understanding the Power of a Nuclear Bomb

A nuclear bomb is a formidable weapon designed to inflict massive damage. It not only creates a mushroom cloud and emits intense radiation but also generates extreme heat, hotter than that of the sun's core. Even a weaker nuclear bomb would be lethal to a significant number of zombies within its blast radius, which can extend for several miles, depending on the weapon's yield.

Upon detonation, the bomb would release shockwaves, thermal radiation, and fallout. These factors would severely impact even zombies not within the immediate blast zone, leading to widespread destruction. The extreme heat would immediately incinerate zombies, while the blast waves and radiation would further incapacitate and kill those not outright destroyed.

The Devil Is in the Details - Spread and Effectiveness

The success of a nuclear weapon in a zombie outbreak also hinges on the scenario's details. If the zombies are spread out over a large area, such as more than a mile or two in diameter, the nuclear weapon might not be as effective. However, if the zombies are concentrated in a smaller area, the nuclear bomb would likely wipe them out completely.

Even in larger scenarios, some zombies might escape if the zombies are spread over 30–50 miles. A single zombie surviving and spreading the infection could reignite the outbreak, making the battle lost in the end. Still, such a scenario is highly unlikely given the scale and power of the weapon.

Real-World Implications

The impact of a nuclear bomb on a zombie outbreak can be compared to the estimated effects of a 100-megaton version of the Tsar Bomba in an urban environment like Los Angeles. If detonated directly above the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building in the western United States, the blast would produce a nuclear fireball two miles wide, hotter than the sun's surface, reducing buildings to ashes.

Such a weapon would reduce even the most resilient zombies to ash, leaving nothing but harmful radiation and widespread destruction. Gamma rays, which are highly penetrating and damaging, would inevitably harm any remaining zombies, leading to their demise.

Conclusion

While the role of a nuclear weapon in a zombie outbreak scenario is grim, the vast destructive power of such a weapon ensures that, in most circumstances, it would be more than capable of eliminating a horde of 99,999 zombies. However, the effectiveness of such a weapon depends on the distribution and spread of the zombies. Regardless, the power and reach of a nuke make it a formidable and effective last resort against the undead.