In the middle of the 20^th century, the combination of scientific brilliance and a globe-spanning war produced weapons so powerful that a single bomb could flatten an entire city. The origin of this technology takes us back into history, to Leo Szilard’s first conception of a nuclear chain reaction, and even further back, when scientists weren’t sure whether atoms even existed. Once atoms, and all their various parts, were discovered, great scientists like Ernest Rutherford, JJ Thompson, Niels Bohr, and Albert Einstein peeled back layers of the mysteries of the atomic and subatomic realm to reveal the immense energy that lies within.

The Atomic Bomb podcast describes the history leading to the discovery of the atomic bomb, as well as its role in World War 2. We also examine the science behind the understanding of the atomic nucleus, how it enables the release of atomic energy, as well as the design and function of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. We follow the stories of some of the scientists involved – their discoveries, tragedies, and adventures. Lastly, we consider the geopolitical impact that nuclear weapons have made on the world.

Credits and Licensing Information:

Written, presented, and edited by Lane Votapka

Additional edits by Gary Votapka

Original logo and banner by Inova Enterprise.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing or making a donation at https://buymeacoffee.com/lvotapka or by engaging in discussions at my Thinkspot page: https://www.thinkspot.com/forum_type/lane-votapka/author/4WtDOo/author/4WtDOo.

Music:

"Americana", “Black Vortex”, “Crusade”, “Eastern Thought”, “Egmont Overture”, “Evening Melodrama”, “Fanfare for Space”, “Five Armies”, “Full On”, “Gaslamp Funworks”, “Gregorian Chant”, “Hero Down”, “Industrial Revolution”, “Oppressive Gloom”, “Return of Lazarus”, “Stormfront”, “Tempting Secrets”, “The Descent”, “The Pyre”, “The Sky of Our Ancestors”, “Thunderbird”, “Unlight” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sound Effects:

“Atomic Explosion and Sub Rumble”

GowlerMusic (https://freesound.org/s/265459/)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Unported

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

“Radio Noise 2”

ERH (https://freesound.org/s/30335/)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Unported

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

“Super 8 mm projector”