Donald Trump's inaugural speech caused a significant online debate when he claimed that US scientists split the atom. This assertion, though seemingly accurate, becomes intricate when considering the detailed history of this scientific achievement. Atom splitting, as explained by particle physicist Dr. Harry Cliff, is a concept with its complexities.
Atoms, the fundamental units of matter, consist of a nucleus and orbiting electrons. Initially proposed in Ancient Greek philosophy, atoms were believed to be indivisible, leading to advancements in subatomic theories and practical experiments.
Renowned physicist Ernest Rutherford, through experiments conducted in Manchester between 1914 and 1919, is credited with the first instance of splitting the atom. By bombarding nitrogen gas with radioactive particles, he observed the transformation of oxygen while generating a hydrogen nucleus, identified as a proton.
While Rutherford didn't specifically use the term "splitting," preferring "disintegration," his groundbreaking experiments paved the way for further nuclear research. Rutherford's work was essential in evolving the understanding of transforming elements rather than merely splitting them.
In later research at the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory, Rutherford delved into deliberate nuclear splitting attempts, marking a significant step in the nuclear field's development. Although such advancements were crucial, they were distinct from the processes leading to nuclear power and bombs.
The Manhattan Project, initiated in 1942, aimed to produce the first atomic weapons, leveraging the principles of atomic power harnessed from previous scientific endeavors. Italian physicist Enrico Fermi, German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann, along with a global team of scientists, played pivotal roles in advancing nuclear research, culminating in the development of atomic weaponry.
Ultimately, the combined efforts of scientific pioneers like Rutherford, Walton, Cockcroft, Oppenheimer, Fermi, Geiger, and Marsden laid the foundation for the nuclear era and shaped the trajectory of modern science. Their contributions, descendants of Rutherford's early trials, underscore a legacy of monumental scientific progress with far-reaching implications.