Our Atomic World: The Story of Atomic Energy
by C. Jackson Craven
THE STORY OF ATOMIC ENERGY
U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION Division of Technical Information Understanding the Atom Series
Nuclear energy is playing a vital role in the life of every man, woman, and child in the United States today. In the years ahead it will affect increasingly all the peoples of the earth. It is essential that all Americans gain an understanding of this vital force if they are to discharge thoughtfully their responsibilities as citizens and if they are to realize fully the myriad benefits that nuclear energy offers them.
The United States Atomic Energy Commission provides this booklet to help you achieve such understanding.
Edward J. Brunenkant, Director Division of Technical Information
UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, Chairman
James T. Ramey
Wilfrid E. Johnson
Dr. Theos J. Thompson
Dr. Clarence E. Larson
C. Jackson Craven
OUR ATOMIC WORLD
The Understanding the Atom Series
OUR ATOMIC WORLD
CONTENTS
OUR ATOMIC WORLD
The Greeks Were Curious About Matter
The Atomic Theory Is Confirmed
Cathode Rays Show Atoms Contain Smaller Parts
Radioactive Atoms Discovered
Rutherford Finds the Atomic Nucleus
The Proton Is Recognized
Isotopes Are Discovered
The Alchemists’ Dream Comes True
Some Particles Have No Electric Charge
Matter Is Energy; Energy Is Matter
Nuclei Contain Energy
CHRONOLOGY
Fission is Explained
The Fission Bomb Is Exploded
Nuclear Energy Is Needed for the Future
Fusion Has Potential
Isotopes Have Many Uses
Radioisotopes at Work
The Atomic Energy Commission
Toward an International Atom
Suggested References
Books
Motion Pictures
FOOTNOTES
Transcriber’s Notes