History of Atoms

Several scientists and physicists have given different explanations for the structure of an atom. An atom is said to consist of three basic fundamental particles, namely protons, neutrons and electrons. the discovery of the various fundamental particles the science of tapping nuclear energy etc were developed over a period of close to ten years. In the period between 1939 and 1945 scientists concentrated on the development of the atom bomb after which they focused on using this energy from atoms in a controlled fashion. Atomic energy is obtained when nuclear fission or nuclear fusion processes take place. In 1939, Otto Hahn and Strassman showed that heavier nucleus split into smaller, lighter nuclei. This discovery of nuclear fission was the first proof or confirmation for Einstein’s mass-energy relation. Later in the same year Otto Hahn found that nuclear chain reactions also take place .

Nuclear reactor is the device in which nuclear fission takes place in a controlled environment. The fact that a reactor works better with slow moving neutrons was discovered by Szilard and Fermi. This energy produced was used for generating electricity. And in 1956 concentration was given to establishment of effective nuclear plants. Likewise several new developments were made by different scientists and this has led to the discovery and realization of the varied uses of atomic energy.