22" At the end of a conductor, the pu.r-se might cause burnout of a sensitiveelectronic conponent such as atr rsr circuit, or sone other component of a system andhence cause malfunctioning o? breakdorrr of the entire system. 'rrrrougl, a chainreaction, electricaf po\,rer and telephone networks might collapse atttough tireuncertainty in this field is laree. E. Initial nuclear rad.iation 23' The essential difference between a nuclear and large conwent.ional (chenical)explosion with regard to bl-ast and. thenna^f radjation is one of nagnituae.Differences in effects merery reflect differences in amorurt or enErgy ""r_..""a. There are' however, consequences of a nucfear burst that do not have any counrerpartin a conventional explosion; the inmed.iate release of nuc]-ear radiation and. thecreation of radioactive particles vhich wilr go on emitting nuclear radiation for along tine' rt is customary to separate this radiation intJ two parts - that enittedwi.thin one minute aro,nd. the bursl point and that caused- by the return ofradioactive particles (fattout) over an extended peaiod of time to the ground. Theformer is referred to as initiar nuclear rad.iation and the time of one roinut e ischosen because after this period the tlmushroom clorrdrl containing nost of theradioactive particres for an air burst wir-f have risen to a heilnt from rnrhich theradiation can reach the gxound. in negligible amount s only.!6 AF'{"2?!:?' rnniX Faee 167 2l+' The initial nuclear radiation - nost of vhich vi11 be ?er-eased in bhe first .econds folrowing a nuclea! expl0sion - "onsi"t* essentially of fast neurrons an. g4rnrna rays. Arthoush oart of this radiation wir_f be absorbe. by the weapon nateriaf itsetf' corossar *o'-i" wi-ri in g"";;;i-;;;.;" 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the effects of a nuclear explosion on electronic systems and the environment, highlighting the potential consequences of radiation on human health and the potential collapse of critical infrastructure. The language used is technical and scientific, suggesting a focus on the scientific and technological aspects of the topic.

**Category**
Science and technology