True or false: A "dirty bomb" uses an atomic reaction to create a massive explosion.

A "dirty bomb," also known as a radiological dispersal device (RDD), does not use an atomic reaction to create a massive explosion. Instead, it combines conventional explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive material. When detonated, the conventional explosives disperse the radioactive material over a wide area, leading to contamination rather than a massive explosion like that of a nuclear bomb, which relies on nuclear fission or fusion.

This distinction is crucial as it clarifies the nature of the threat posed by a dirty bomb. While the intent of a dirty bomb is to cause panic and disrupt normal activities by spreading radiation, it does not have the explosive power or the catastrophic effects associated with nuclear weapons. Understanding this difference is vital for security personnel and first responders in planning for and responding to such incidents.