A dirty bomb is used for what purpose?

A dirty bomb, also known as a radiological dispersal device (RDD), is designed to disperse radioactive material using conventional explosives. Its primary purpose is to instill fear and panic among the population rather than cause mass casualties through radiation exposure. By contaminating an area with radioactive substances, the bomb makes the land potentially hazardous and unusable for an extended time. This creates psychological and economic repercussions, as people may fear for their health and safety, leading to an evacuation of the affected area.

In terms of its broader implications, the detonation of a dirty bomb serves as a method of intimidation, aiming to draw attention to a terrorist cause or agenda. The contamination aspect reinforces the idea of long-term disruption and the psychological impact on individuals and communities, which aligns with the intention to frighten and incapacitate. This is why the choice highlighting the purpose of frightening people and making land unusable accurately reflects the function of a dirty bomb.