Which factor contributes most significantly to the destruction caused by a nuclear weapon?

The shockwave generated by a nuclear weapon is a powerful force that contributes significantly to the destruction caused by the explosion. When a nuclear weapon detonates, it creates an intense pressure wave that travels at supersonic speeds. This shockwave can demolish buildings, knock down trees, and cause widespread structural damage over a considerable distance from the epicenter of the blast.

While heat produced immediately and the radiation released are significant aspects of a nuclear explosion—with heat causing burns and ignition of materials, and radiation posing long-term health risks—the shockwave's immediate physical force is often what leads to the most immediate and visible destruction. Fires caused by the explosion may result from the intense heat, but again, the initial devastation from the shockwave occurs first and is often the most immediate consequence of the blast.

Understanding the dominance of the shockwave helps in grasping the overall impact of nuclear weapons on urban environments and infrastructure.