Intercontinental ballistic missile

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/intercontinental-ballistic-missile

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the minimum intercontinental range?5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles)
2. What is the primary strategic role?Delivery of nuclear warheads for deterrence and retaliation
3. What is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)?An ICBM is a very fast rocket that can travel more than 5,500 kilometers, usually carrying a nuclear warhead to faraway places.
4. Why do countries keep ICBMs?Countries keep ICBMs to show they can respond if attacked, which helps keep peace by making sure nobody wants to start a war.

Strategic Deterrence: The use of the threat of nuclear retaliation to prevent an adversary from attacking.
Nuclear Triad: A three-pronged nuclear force consisting of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers.
Hypersonic Speed: Speeds exceeding Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.