Atomic Energy and Nuclear Weapons

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Atomic energy is “the energy that is released through a nuclear reaction or radioactive decay process”(u.s.nrc). Jordan Termine stated, “According to Einstein’s researches, in 1939, he concluded the possibility of setting up a nuclear chain reaction in a large mass of uranium, by which vast amounts of power would be generated”(findingdulcinea).

The scientists that have significantly contributed to the development of nuclear weapons are: Albert Einstein, who first explored the nuclear fission and its potential use as a weapon. Another key player in this field was General Leslie Groves, who conducted the first nuclear test in New Mexico under a project called ‘memorandum of secretary of war’. J.Robert Oppenheimer, also known as the father of the atomic bomb, “was appointed scientific director of the Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer dubbed the first denotation the “Trinity” Test”(findingdulcinea).

Atomic weapons were developed by the U.S in World War II because during the early years of the war the German forces showed the world the strength of their military weapons. “President Franklin Roosevelt realized that in order to win the war the United States would need to develop modern weapons of its own. For this reason, he established a national defense research Committee to further develop Einstein’s researches with the aim of building the atomic bomb before the Germans do”(manythings). To close a dramatic chapter of brutal fighting during World War II, the United States used the atomic bomb in august 6, 1945 bombarding Hiroshima, Japan. The second bombing was “three days later when the United States dropped another atomic bomb over the city of Nagasaki, Japan”(Teachinghistory).

In 1939, Albert Einstein “concluded in his researche...

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... at the end of 1972)” (lanl.gov).

Nuclear energy is one of the most important sources of energy in the world. The discovery of nuclear energy is an important invention for humanity for its many peaceful uses. “Today, 439 nuclear power reactors produce approximately 16 % of the world’s electricity” (un.org). Nuclear energy is also considered useful for dealing with the climate change challenges we are facing nowadays, many other fields which benefited from nuclear energy such as; “health care and nutrition, water resource management, food security, sustainable development, and nuclear safety and security” (state.gov). The United States adopted many programs for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, activities supported by the united states include; Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Program for Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT), Support for nuclear power infrastructure.

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