What is the history of nuclear fission?

What is the history of nuclear fission?

Nuclear fission was first discovered in 1938 by German physicists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann. They found that when uranium atoms were bombarded with neutrons, they split into smaller atoms, releasing a significant amount of energy.

How did this discovery impact World War II?

The discovery of nuclear fission led to the development of atomic bombs. The Manhattan Project, initiated by the U.S., aimed to harness this energy, resulting in the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

What are the long-term effects of nuclear fission?

Long-term effects include both the potential for nuclear energy as a power source and the dangers of nuclear waste and proliferation. It has also raised ethical questions about its use in warfare.

Are there any notable scientists involved in this field?

Yes, besides Hahn and Strassmann, notable figures include Lise Meitner, who helped explain the fission process, and Enrico Fermi, who contributed to the development of the first nuclear reactor.