62 pages • 2 hours read
Richard RhodesThe Making of the Atomic Bomb
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Rutherford is widely considered the father of nuclear physics. Support this assertion with three pieces of evidence from the book.
Describe Bohr and Einstein’s major discoveries. Who should be considered the more important scientist, and why?
At first, US strategists chose to bomb military and industrial targets, but as the Second World War progressed, they switched to fire-bombing entire cities. Why did they change their approach, and was this an ethically valid decision? Defend your argument.
Explain the factors that prevented Meitner from winning a Nobel Prize.
Describe how neutrons cause a chain reaction in uranium-235 or plutonium.
Explain Bohr’s idea of “complementarity,” and describe how it affected his concepts about subatomic particles and nuclear weapons policy.
Describe “MAD,” then explain why many theorists believe it is a natural preventive against war. Do you agree or not? Defend your answer.
The Nazis wanted atomic bombs but failed to develop them. What are the reasons for this?
Many historians believe the Japanese would have surrendered when they did even if the atomic bombs hadn’t exploded over their territory. Do you agree or not? Give evidence for your viewpoint.
Is the world safer or less safe with nuclear weapons? Explain your reasoning.
