Czynniki rażenia broni jądrowej. Cz. 1, Impuls elektromagnetyczny

Nuclear weapon is the most effective, although the least used, means of fighting. Its destructive action cumulates in five factors like airblast, thermal and hard radiation, radioactive terrain contamination and electromagnetic impulse. They are all widely known due to their spectacular performance. The electromagnetic impulse still remains the least known. It has its own specificity showing in destructive impact on technical, mainly electric and electronic systems. However, it does not pose a major threat to people. Its is also specific as far as its destruction range is concerned. In certain conditions it may act at the distance of hundreds of kilometres from the ground zero paralysing functioning the economy of many countries. The article provides information on the idea of the electromagnetic impulse, how it arises and probable impacts on electric and electronic equipment. Additionally, the electromagnetic impulse influence on radio waves propagation has been discussed.