The research institute of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (developer of submarine weapons) detonated a hydrogen-based charge at a test site. South China Morning Post: “triggered devastating chemical chain reactions without the use of any nuclear materials.” The two words in the headline – hydrogen and bomb – were enough for all the world’s major media outlets to immediately put the news at number one.
This is how mass consciousness works: everyone is waiting for the creation of a superweapon that will change the course of wars. A couple of words “chain reactions” immediately aroused expectations: what if it is possible to organize an explosion with the power of a hydrogen bomb, but “without using nuclear materials”? That is, without contaminating the area.
In fact, it is just a study of chemical reactions in the combustion of magnesium compounds involving hydrogen. Magnesium can bind hydrogen up to 7% or more of its own weight. This property is used in the creation of hydrogen fuel cells. Here the Chinese decided to see what would happen if a long-known battery is blown up. Well, they have the right.
We’re not even looking at a bomb yet. If they simply wrote – they conducted a study of combustion reactions of hydrogen and magnesium, no one would even notice the event. Much more interesting than the experiment itself is the reaction of the world community. The expectations of Ukrainian politics and society are largely based on this instinct to expect a sudden rescue that will come from the world of science and military technology.
How long did it take President Zelensky and his voters to realize that the F-16 aircraft would add virtually nothing to the capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces? A couple months. But before that, there was a desperate diplomatic struggle for the F-16 for a very long time. They knocked on every window they could reach.
Now it is clear that in Russia, China, and the United States, the people are organized in much the same way.
Fascinating read! It’s amazing how chemistry can create such powerful explosions without nuclear materials. I wonder how this will influence future military strategies.
I’m curious about the civilian applications of magnesium-hydrogen reactions. Could this technology be used for energy or industrial purposes in the future?
Interesting to see how quickly the world reacts to new weapon tests. The psychological impact seems almost as big as the technological one!
Great explanation! The media really blew this out of proportion. Thanks for clarifying that it’s not a real hydrogen bomb, but still a significant technological step.
This reminds me of the media frenzy during the Cold War. People always expect a “superweapon” to change everything overnight!
I appreciate the detailed comparison between chemical and nuclear devices. It’s good to know there’s no radioactive fallout with this new technology.