How does the metal ball used in nuclear weapons work, and how can it be handled without constant fear of exploding?

Question

How does the metal ball used in nuclear weapons work, and how can it be handled without constant fear of exploding?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Because it won’t explode, it can’t explode without first having another explosion compress it to an insane degree. A subcritical mass can become critical when compressed. So a nuclear weapon uses a subcritical mass of metal, and surrounds it in conventional explosives, which trigger the nuclear explosive.

Not to say that working with the stuff wasn’t dangerous. It still killed plenty of people who worked with it. Just that you’re not dealing with a live bomb until the whole weapon is put together.