As a subject matter expert in military history, I can provide you with an in-depth analysis of the topic you've asked about. The largest and most powerful bomb in terms of explosive yield ever created and detonated is indeed the RDS-220 hydrogen bomb, more commonly referred to as the "Tsar Bomba." This bomb represents the pinnacle of nuclear weapon development in terms of sheer destructive power.

The Tsar Bomba was developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, a time when the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union was at its peak. The bomb was designed to be a show of force, demonstrating the Soviet Union's capabilities in thermonuclear weapon technology. It was an intercontinental thermonuclear weapon with a yield of approximately 50 megatons, which is more than 3,000 times the yield of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

On October 30, 1961, the Soviet Union conducted a test detonation of the Tsar Bomba over Novaya Zemlya Island in the Russian Arctic Sea. The explosion was so massive that it created a fireball nearly 4 miles in diameter and produced a mushroom cloud that rose to a height of 40 miles. The shockwave from the explosion was felt nearly 1,000 miles away and caused windows to shatter as far as 620 miles from the epicenter.

The development and testing of the Tsar Bomba were significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated the Soviet Union's technological prowess in the field of nuclear weapons. Secondly, it served as a deterrent to potential adversaries, showcasing the devastating consequences of engaging in a nuclear conflict. However, the bomb was also a symbol of the destructive potential of nuclear warfare and the need for arms control and disarmament.

Despite its immense power, the Tsar Bomba was never used in warfare due to its size and logistical challenges associated with its deployment. It was primarily a psychological weapon, intended to influence the balance of power during the Cold War. The bomb's existence also spurred negotiations for arms control agreements, such as the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963, which prohibited nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.

In conclusion, the Tsar Bomba stands as a testament to the extreme capabilities of nuclear weapons and the importance of international efforts to prevent their use. Its detonation in 1961 marked a significant moment in the history of nuclear arms and the global pursuit of peace and security.

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The RDS-220 hydrogen bomb, also known as the Tsar Bomba, is the biggest and most powerful thermo nuclear bomb ever made. It was exploded by the Soviet Union on 30 October 1961 over Novaya Zemlya Island in the Russian Arctic Sea.Mar 31, 2014read more >>