The hydrogen bomb, also called the thermonuclear bomb, uses fusion, or atomic nuclei coming together, to produce explosive energy. ... What's the same: Both the A-bomb and H-bomb use radioactive material like uranium and plutonium for the explosive material.

Does the H-bomb give off radiation?

Inside an H-bomb, a 'boosted' fission bomb releases a blast of powerful X-ray radiation, which is focused precisely onto the fusion bomb.

How long does radiation from a hydrogen bomb last?

To the extent that hydrogen fusion contributes to the explosive force of a weapon, two other radionuclides will be released: tritium (hydrogen-3), an electron emitter with a half-life of 12 years, and carbon-14, an electron emitter with a half-life of 5,730 years.