Premium Essay

Albert Einstein And The Creation Of The Atomic Bomb

Submitted By
Words 276
Pages 2
In 1939 Scientists discovered that a powerful explosion might be possible by splitting an atom. Engineers, Scientists, and the Army got together to start the Manhattan Project (The process of the making of the atomic bomb.) Albert Einstein helped the scientists with his theories. He sent a letter to President Roosevelt telling him how Hitler was trying to create the same bomb, he approved that they should start the Manhattan project, because they were scared that the Nazis would do it first. The atomic bomb was successfully tested in Los Alamos New Mexico on July 16, 1945, at Trinity Site near Alamagordo New Mexico. Ernest Lawrence, Vannevar Bush, Robert Bacher, and Theodore Hall were the creators of the Manhattan project. They created two

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

America's Impact On The Manhattan Project

...Making an understanding of the science behind the creation of the atomic bomb · An evaluation of Albert Einstein’s letter to President Roosevelt The first section of this investigation will deliver factual material from sources with accurate references. The next section is an evaluation...

Words: 2078 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Albert Einten

...Albert Einstein was born in Germany, He was one of the greatest minds in world history, and known as a brilliant physicist who contributed more to the scientific world than any other person. He majorly contributed to the four areas of the science; Light, Time, Energy, and Gravity .His theories on relativity paved the way for how science currently views time, space, energy, and gravity. Despite troubles in education and learning as a child, Einstein surpassed the odds and helped revolutionize science today. With his theories on relativity and gravity, Einstein would inspire other great scientists explain the unexplainable. Einstein also helped in the advancement of modern warfare, in the creation of the atomic bomb. Einstein's early work on the theory of relativity (1905) dealt only with systems or observers in uniform (unaccelerated) motion with respect to one another and is referred to as the special theory of relativity; among other results, it demonstrated that two observers moving at great speed with respect to each other will disagree about measurements of length and time intervals made in each other's systems, that the speed of light is the limiting speed of all bodies having mass, and that mass and energy are equivalent. In 1911 he asserted the equivalence of gravitation and inertia, and in 1916 he completed his mathematical formulation of a general theory of relativity that included gravitation as a determiner of the curvature of a space-time continuum. He then began...

Words: 661 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Innovation

...Albert Einstein once said about the invention of the Atomic Bomb that it was as much a matter of scientific knowledge and astuteness, as it was a call of circumstances and time. The millennial brightness of Albert Einstein, the pressing imminence of war and the determination to succeed of the American government and scientists, are part of the ecology of innovation that surrounded the emergence of nuclear technology, and eventually led to the creation of the atomic bomb and its destructive power. The ecology of innovation not only includes the elements directly related to the emergence of a new technology such as its inventor, or the need it fulfilled, but also includes seemingly unimportant aspects such as the governing politics that allowed it and the conditions that created a need for that technology. APPLIED TO David McCullough's book, The Great Bridge, this concept encompasses a whole nation in its drive towards modernization. Preceded by inventions such as the railroad and the telegraph, the second half of the 19th century stands at a time where technology is regarded as a primary option to achieving comfort. Little by little, the realization is made that perhaps nature's boundaries is not the farthest mankind can go. The middle of the 19th century also opens an era of greater involvement of the government in matters of public interests and an increase of funding as well; The Erie canal build from 1817 to 1825 is a testimony of such an involvement, and an example of the...

Words: 330 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Development of the Atomic Bomb

...extra neutrons, which could in turn split other uranium atoms, starting a chain reaction. Therefore, in theory this energy could be harnessed to make a powerful bomb. Due to this, the development of the ultimate power took many scientists a lot of hard work and dedication to create such an effective bomb. First and foremost, there were problems with the political and social climate of the world that caused a race to unfold in the development of the ultimate weapon. During this period of time World War II was going on, and the United States was fighting with Germany in the Atlantic, as well as Japan in the Pacific. It all started when Adolf Hitler and the Nazis attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, in which the other countries had joined the war for help. As a result, when Leo Szilard heard that Germany had found out about Hahn and Strassman’s discovery he thought they would produce a bomb. Leo Szilard told them that they were attempting to purify Uranium-235, which would make up the atomic bomb. With that being said, he needed to get this valuable information to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the president of the United States at the time, but he did not know how to accomplish that. After some thinking he finally came to a conclusion and thought of Albert Einstein, and his connection with the United States. So, he went to Einstein and they both sent a warning letter to President Roosevelt. In...

Words: 1464 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Nuclear Weapons

...Nuclear Weapons In 1939, scientist Albert Einstein wrote a letter to the United States president of the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt, concerning the research of splitting a uranium atom that could lead to the development of an atomic bomb in Germany. In the letter, Einstein wrote,”It may be possible to set off a nuclear chain reaction in a large mass of uranium, by which large amounts of power and new radium like elements would be generated.” He continued,” This new development could lead to the creation of bombs, and as it seems, but less likely, the construction of an even bigger, new type of bomb.” President Roosevelt, although skeptical at first, decided to go through with the research and in 1941 the Manhattan Project was born. Four years later on August 6, the United States Dropped the first nuclear atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima wiping out 90 percent of the city, killing more than 80,000 people, and later tens of thousands more. Then again on August 9, another bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki and killing more than 40,000. 6 days later, the Emperor of Japan announced Japan’s official surrender to the United States in World War II. The effects and after effects of the the two bombs dropped shocked the entire world, even those a part of the Manhattan Project. The Japanese Emperor Hirohito described the bombs as the ”new and most cruel bomb.” This research paper will discuss the pros and cons of the use of nuclear weapons among different countries...

Words: 918 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Atomic Bombs and the Creation and Use of the First Two Atomic Bombs

...An atomic bomb is a weapon with great explosive power that results from the sudden release of energy upon the splitting, or fission, of the nuclei of such heavy elements as plutonium or uranium. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2016) This catastrophic bomb was used twice during World War II. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped its first atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The bomb was known as "Little Boy", a uranium gun-type bomb that exploded with about thirteen kilotons of force. Three days after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, a twenty one kiloton plutonium device known as "Fat Man.”(Atomic Heritage Foundation, 2012) This paper will discuss the creation and use of the first two atomic bombs. Early in 1939, German physicists had learned the secrets of splitting a uranium atom. Fears soon spread over the possibility of Nazi scientists utilizing that energy to produce a bomb capable of unspeakable destruction. Scientists Albert Einstein, who fled Nazi persecution, and Enrico Fermi, who escaped Fascist Italy, were now living in the United States. They agreed that President Franklin Roosevelt, must be informed of the dangers of atomic technology in the hands of the Axis powers. In late 1941, the American started to design and build an atomic bomb, which later received its code name, the Manhattan Project, which was named after one of the initial sites of research, Columbia University...

Words: 1203 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Atomic Bomb

...Research Paper: The Atomic Bomb Strayer University His 360: Twentieth Century World Research Paper: The Atomic Bomb March, 2011 Micheal McMillin Professor Curran Research Paper: Atomic Bomb: I. Executive Summary. On August Sixth and Ninth in 1945 the Japanese Island’s two cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed with a new type of weapon. The Atomic bomb created to end the Second World War, and to showcase The United States in becoming a Superpower. After the Atomic Bomb use it would affect the cities of Japan for years to come, but also the world leading to a new arms race that still affects us today. II. Essay How can one describe the power of the Atomic Bomb? With the power to bring two cities to its knees and kill thousands of people and affect people for years to come. The Atomic Bomb was used to bring Japan’s unconstitutional surrender. The used of this weapon is still under massive debate, even to this day. Was it ethical to use the Atomic Bomb not once, but twice on one nation? In using the Atomic Bomb on Japan it showed the world the deadly weapon the United States had created it. In the use of the Atomic Bomb we show the world and more importantly Russia what we developed. Now this Atomic age had begun as we enter the time known aa the Cold War. In the late 1930’s European and American physicists discovered how the fission of atoms could create a powerful an explosive weapon. In the year 1939 Albert Einstein would write a letter to President...

Words: 1567 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Manhatten Project

...significant turning point for the United States in World War II. The rumors of the creation of an atomic bomb put the Allies on edge; each wanting to be the first to create such a destructive technology. The reason behind why the US chose to execute this project, the processes and events that took place, and the subsequent effects of the project depict the importance of this major US event. To fully understand the importance of the Manhattan Project, it is first imperative to understand the reasoning behind why the United States chose to pursue the project. In 1939, Allied scientists had fears that Nazi Germany might develop nuclear weapons (The Manhattan Project). At this point in the War, Hitler was at his most powerful. He had one of the largest followings in history and his reign was producing devastating outcomes for the Jewish population (The Manhattan Project). Once the scientific community discovered that German physicists could split a uranium atom, action needed to be taken (The Manhattan Project). Albert Einstein, who fled Nazi Germany to live in the US, felt as though President Roosevelt should be made aware of the dangers of atomic technology being in the hands of Hitler (Ushistory). A letter written by Einstein was received by Roosevelt, yet the President found no reason to immediately respond to such a situation (Ushistory). However, 1941 began the American effort to construct an atomic bomb (The Manhattan Project). Initially, Roosevelt set up the Advisory Committee...

Words: 2298 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Short Biography of Albert Pippy Einstein

...Daniel Retta English 4 Essay: Albert Einstein Albert Pippy Einstein was born March 14, 1879 in Ulm, Kingdom of Württemberg, German Empire. He is well known for his scientific achievements in the field of theoretical physics. His achievements are so highly valued that he is commonly regarded as the father of modern physics. His father was Hermann Einstein and his mother was Pauline Koch. He had a sister two years younger named Maja Einstein. Although Einstein's family was Jewish, they were nonobservant and he attended a Catholic elementary school, Petersschule, from the ages of 5 till 10. He became highly religious around the age of 12 and actually began writing and singing During this time he had speech difficulties, though he was a top student. In 1889 a family friend Max Talmud introduced young Einstein, age 10, to some key texts in science, mathematics and philosophy, including Euclid's Elements and Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. Einstein's family went through a few moves in response to their economic status difficulties. Albert's father and uncle together held a business, Elektrotechnische Fabrik J. Einstein & Cie, which manufactured electrical equipment based on direct current. Because it was dependent upon the success of DC (direct current), during the War of the Currents, AC (alternating current) became the standard and their business went under. In search of better financial opportunity Herrman and his family moved to Italy, first to the city of Milan...

Words: 1595 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Dfadsf

...the Manhattan project and how did it evolve? How was the decision made to drop the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and how did the bombing end the war? (be specific and complete) Essay – The Manhattan project was central to the United States efforts in constructing a nuclear bomb during the Second World War. Motivated by the fear of an enemy attack from the Nazi’s, the United States was able to develop the world’s most devastating bombs, which would end up killing more than 200,000 Japanese citizens in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In this way, the Manhattan project essentially grew out of America’s efforts to defend themselves against a potential Nazi attack. Hungarian scientist Leo Szilard, after escaping to America, realized that if the Nazis acquired the works recently conducted on nuclear fission, they might be able to construct a nuclear bomb and dominate the world with its destruction. He then convinced Albert Einstein of the impending Nazi threat and Einstein took the initiative to alert the United States by writing a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the letter sent in August 1939, right before the start of the war, Einstein advised that the United States be wary of the threat of nuclear weaponry in the hands of the enemy and that they should begin a weapons building program of their own. A very small committee was established to look into the science and development of a bomb, funded by a mere $6,000. President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized ten million...

Words: 2270 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Physicist

...Arturo Alcaraz  (Philippines) - Instrumental in a team of scientists, who in 1967 were able to harness steam from a volcano resulting in the production of electricity. Diosdado Banatao (Philippines) - Improved computer performance throughthe development of accelerator chips, helping to make the Internet a reality. Marie Curie (Poland) - Winner of two Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physicsfor her studies into Radioactivity and her discoveries of Radium and Polonium. Paul Dirac (England) - An important contributor in the fields of QuantumMechanics and Electro Dynamics, Dirac was co-winner of the Nobel Prize inPhysics (1933). Albert Einstein (Germany) - Arguably needing no introduction, the most famous scientist that lived and a name that has become synonymous in popular culture with the highest intelligence. Enrico Fermi (Italy) - Heavily involved in the development of the world's first nuclear reactor and his work in induced radioactivity saw him awarded with the 1938 Nobel Prize in Physics. Vitaly Ginzburg (Russia) - One of three recipients of the 2003 Nobel inPhysics for their pioneering work in the theory of superconductors and superfluids. Christiaan Huygens (Netherlands) - Most well known for his wave theory of light, Huygens is credited with discovering the first of Saturn's moons. Werner Israel (Canada) - In 1990 Israel co-pioneered a study on black hole interiors. Ali Javan (Iran) - Born in Tehran, Ali Javan is listed as one of the top 100 living...

Words: 10739 - Pages: 43

Free Essay

People Who Change the World

...This topic is just like debating that who is greatest — Jesus or Muhammad? Both of them have their respective specifications and they can’t be equated with each other. In an attempt to focus some greatest souls across the world, TopYaps lists top 10 famous people, better known for their unparalleled contribution in changing the course of world, the course of history. 10. Bill Gates: Bill Gates created his first computer program while still at high school, co-founded Microsoft in 1977, and by 1993 was the richest man on Earth. In 2000 Gates and his wife formed the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, which is the largest charity in the world. One of its aim is to exempt the Third World of polio and other deadly diseases. 9. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Martin Luther King was a Baptist minister who campaigned against the segregation of blacks in the Southern states of the United States. He was influenced by Gandhi and believed in peaceful protest. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. King was assassinated in 1968, but will always be remembered for his dignified, passive resistance to an unjust society. 8. Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the fight against apartheid – a policy which kept black and white South Africans apart and denied black citizens the vote. He was imprisoned in 1964 for his aggressive opposition to South Africa’s racist government and was held for 26 years. In 1990, after his release, Mandela was elected President of the African National...

Words: 812 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

...The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: History's Great Miscalculation On August 6, 1945, a new step in technological warfare was taken when the first atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The impact of the bomb alone killed at least 66,000 people.1 This was an event that would not soon be forgotten in history. The Americans, who knew the devastating effects of their new weapon, still chose to use it rather than an alternative means to peace. Many people still argue whether or not it was necessary when Japanese surrender was considered to be a matter of time. Historians also dispute whether the campaign was a morally justified objective. This phrase alone brings up many interesting questions. Can killing thousands of innocent people ever be considered "justified"? Considering these circumstances, the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was not militarily or morally justified. In 1939 Franklin Roosevelt, the President of the United States received a verysignificant letter from the famous physicist, Albert Einstein.2 Contained in this letter were details concerning the importance of nuclear research with regards to gaining the upper hand in the war. Roosevelt agreed and approved $6,000 in initial funding. Many scientists began realizing the importance of nuclear fission and in 1940 The National Defense Research Committee was formed. This group's purpose was to oversee research and provide more funding. Many of the world's best physicists...

Words: 2278 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Hoover Dbq

...migrant workers, labor people, [and] women.” They told Eleanor: “ ‘We loved him. He made our lives different.’ ” The whole nation sank into a deep gloom upon hearing the news of Roosevelt’s death. Thus, the election of FDR had a lasting impact on the US, because society changed for the better, due to increased government involvement in peoples’ everyday lives. Furthermore, Roosevelt had gotten the US into World War II. Though it could have been an unpopular move, it did fully bring America out of the Great Depression and gain the US more reputation. During WWII, technological advancement under FDR’s presidency increased in the US. The increase in scientific pursuits led to the development of the atomic bomb. FDR was informed by renowned scientist, Albert Einstein, of the atomic bomb. The creation of this dangerous weapon had the ability to end the bloody war, so Roosevelt agreed to the construction of it. After WWII, “America was prepared to take the center of the world stage, the most powerful and prosperous nation on Earth,” because of FDR’s G.I Bill. The G.I Bill gave veterans free education, so the men would become engineers and scientists. Because of this, there were greater technological advances after WWII. Before FDR died, he had already planned ahead to post-war time. With the help of Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, they decided together to create the United Nations. The UN was to be used to keep peace, to avoid another world war. So, the “United States...

Words: 1180 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cold War

...Research Paper on theme: U.S. - Soviet relations. Cold War. Student: Natalia Konovalova. Introduction. This paper is about U.S. - Soviet relations in Cold War period. Our purpose is to find out the causes of this war, positions of the countries which took part in it. We also will discuss the main Cold War's events. The Cold War was characterized by mutual distrust, suspicion and misunderstanding by both the United States and Soviet Union, and their allies. At times, these conditions increased the likelihood of the third world war. The United States accused the USSR of seeking to expand Communism throughout the world. The Soviets, meanwhile, charged the United States with practicing imperialism and with attempting to stop revolutionary activity in other countries. Each block's vision of the world contributed to East-West tension. The United States wanted a world of independent nations based on democratic principles. The Soviet Union, however, tried control areas it considered vital to its national interest, including much of Eastern Europe. Through the Cold War did not begin until the end of World War II, in 1945, U.S.-Soviet relations had been strained since 1917. In that year, a revolution in Russia established a Communist dictatorship there. During the 1920's and 1930's, the Soviets called for world revolution and the destruction of capitalism, the...

Words: 7078 - Pages: 29