technology

Nuclear fission is the process in which an atomic nucleus is split in 2, which releases gamma photons. In the 1930s, it was thought to be impossible, as only protons and electrons were known to exist. High speeds and accuracy were needed to split that. However, neutrons were discovered by James Chadwick, allowing for it to happen.

Manhattan project

Scientists were called to help develop a big bomb thing blaster. 2 methods were developed, the "gun" method and the implosion method. In the former, a conventional explosive would propel a uranium "bullet" into a cylinder target, starting the chain reaction of nuclear fission. In the other method, conventional explosives compressed the uranium into the plutonium, causing a more energetic explosion.

Project Orion

Project Orion was a project by HASA to propel rockets with nuclear explosions. it would have been more efficient compared to conventional rockets. A metal plate would have had a metal plate to protect the rocket. However, it did not go ahead due to the Cold War

Nuclear engines

The heat from reactors could be transferred to a liquid propellant, which would cause it to expand and boil to produce thrust. Nuclear fusion engines could be used to shorten trips to mars to 90 days, as it is more powerful and efficient.

Reflection

Today's lesson was ok. It was not boring, and the slides were nice. They were not too dense, so they were still readable. It could be improved by splitting the slides up, using a theme and removing the overdone memes