Yield (or Energy Yield)

The total effective energy released in a nuclear (or atomic) explosion. It is usually expressed in terms of the equivalent tonnage of TNT required to produce the same energy release in an explosion. The total energy yield is manifested as nuclear radiation, thermal radiation, and shock (and blast) energy, the actual distribution being primarily dependent upon the medium in which the explosion occurs, as well as the type of weapon and the time after detonation.