Ep 16. Nuclear Weapons Were Never "Atomic" Bombs

Nuclear Physics Explained season 1 episode 16, titled "Nuclear Weapons Were Never 'Atomic' Bombs," delves into the fascinating history of nuclear arms and their development. The episode argues that the commonly used term "atomic bomb" is actually a misnomer, as the bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were not powered by atomic energy, but rather by the far more powerful process of nuclear fission.

The episode begins by exploring the early days of nuclear physics, from the first discovery of radioactivity to the groundbreaking work of scientists like Enrico Fermi and Robert Oppenheimer. It goes on to explain the process of nuclear fission, in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a massive amount of energy in the process.

The episode then turns its focus to the Manhattan Project, the top-secret government program that was responsible for developing the first nuclear weapons. It explains how the project's scientists were able to harness the power of nuclear fission to create bombs that were capable of devastating entire cities.

However, the episode argues that the term "atomic bomb" is actually a misnomer, as the bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were not powered by atomic energy, but rather by the process of nuclear fission. It explains that the term "atomic bomb" was originally used to describe weapons that were powered by the energy released by the splitting of the atom's nucleus, but that the term has since been applied more broadly to all nuclear weapons.

The episode goes on to explain the difference between atomic and hydrogen bombs. Atomic bombs, which were used during the Second World War, are powered by nuclear fission, while hydrogen bombs, which were developed shortly thereafter, are powered by nuclear fusion - the process of joining two atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus and releasing a massive amount of energy in the process.

The episode concludes by examining the legacy of nuclear weapons and their impact on international relations. It argues that while nuclear weapons have helped to maintain a fragile peace between the world's major powers, they also pose a significant threat to humanity as a whole, both through the risk of accidental detonation and through the possibility of intentional use in a conflict.

Overall, "Nuclear Weapons Were Never 'Atomic' Bombs" offers a fascinating look into the development of nuclear arms, their destructive power, and their impact on the world today. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of science and technology, or the future of global security and diplomacy.