History Of Atomic Energy
The history and the development of atomic energy can be explained by the following points:
- The science of atomic radiation, atomic change and nuclear fission was developed from 1895 to 1945,
- Over 1939-45, most development was focused on the atomic bomb.
- From 1945 attention was given to use atomic energy in controlled fashion for naval propulsion and for making electric energy.
- Since 1956 the prime focus of atomic energy is on the technological evolution of reliable nuclear power plants.
Development of Atomic energy from 1895 to 1932
- In 1895, Rontgen’s discovered X-rays, scientists unravelled the structure of the atom, revealing the electron and proton.
- During this period they also discovered radioactivity.
- Medical applications for radioactivity soon appeared.
Development of Atomic energy from 1932 to 1939
- The final major component of the atom, the neutron, was discovered, in 1932.
- In 1938 fission of uranium atoms by neutrons was carried out in Germany.
- The atomic energy associated with fission opened the path for powerful weapons.
Development of Atomic energy from 1940 to 1943
- The scientific and technical foundations for producing an atomic bomb was started in this year.
Development of Atomic energy from 1943 to 1947
- Domestic and international control of atomic energy became a critical post war issue.
- The Atomic Energy Commission was formed and took over control of all aspects of atomic energy in the US in 1947.
- Citizens of all nations realised power of atomic energy as massive threat as well as a source of useful energy for mankind.
Development of Atomic energy from 1947 to 1962
- An atomic bomb was exploded in 1949 by Soviet Union
- US and other nations envied the peaceful use of atomic energy for electric power generation and medical applications.
- During this period the US proposed a program to harness atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
- France become the nuclear power in 1960.
Development of Atomic energy from 1963 to 2003
- Development of nuclear weapons by India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea further alarmed the world.
- SALT I was signed in 1972 followed by SALT II in 1979.
- By 2001, the acquisition of fissionable and radioactive materials by terrorist groups also became a major threat to world order.
Important events in history of atomic energy
- In 1780 German scientist Martin Heinrich Klaproth discovers Uranium. That becomes the keystone of atomic energy.
- In march 1986 French scientist Antoine Becquerel discovers radioactivity.
- In 1934 Italian scientist Enrico Fermi shows that neutrons can split atoms.
- In July 1939 Enrico Fermi and Leo Sziland propose a idea of nuclear reactor that uses Uranium fuel.
- In December 1951, First electric energy from a nuclear power plant was produced in Arco,Idaho. It powers four electric bulbs.
- Finally world’s first commercial nuclear power plant opens in obninsk soviet union. It has 6 megawatt capacity.
Other types of Atomic Energy