What are the three primary effects of a nuclear explosion?

The three primary effects of a nuclear explosion are indeed blast, heat, and radiation.

The blast effect refers to the shockwave produced by the explosion, which can cause significant destruction to structures and is deadly to unprotected humans in the vicinity. The force of the blast can lead to the collapse of buildings and create a large area of devastation.

Heat is generated in enormous quantities during a nuclear explosion. This intense thermal radiation can cause immediate burns and ignite fires over a wide area, potentially leading to firestorms. The heat generated can cause severe damage, not only through direct burns but also by setting aflame anything flammable in the vicinity.

Radiation is another critical effect. Nuclear explosions release ionizing radiation, which can damage living tissue and lead to acute radiation sickness. This includes both initial radiation released during the explosion and residual radiation, often referred to as fallout, that can contaminate the environment long after the initial blast.

Understanding these effects is crucial for disaster preparedness and response in the event of a nuclear incident, and it helps in grasping the immediate and long-term consequences of nuclear warfare. Other options fail to capture the primary and immediate impacts of a nuclear explosion, which are essential in assessments of nuclear threats.