Evening star., 1945-08-19

as system which constitutes the atomic
machinery, by neutrons, which are elec-
trically neutral. The machinery of the
uranium atom requires 80 electron volts
to operate it. This energy it attracts
from the ether of space.
Releasing Its Power
The uranium atom contains 146 neu-
irons, which together with the 80 pro-
tons make 233 particles in all. A few
years ago, however, it was discovered
that one uranium atom in every 140 was
defective. 1t really is not defective, of
course, as it is probably part of ma
lures scheme of mutating one element
into another. This defective" uranium
atom contains only 143 neutrons, max
ing 235 particles in ALL hence they are
called U235. The U.235 atom is on the
verge of instability, and therefore it is
subject to dissolution.
1t was found that if one neutron is
added to this atom the nucleus will split
into smaller parts. This is called fission.
In the process of flssion the atom is de-
stroyed, releasing all of the electrical
energy that was required to operate 1t,
and at the same time two or three new
neutrons are created which repeat the
process of splitting and destroying the
adjacent atoms, forming an endless
chain of atomic destruction as long as
there are any U.235 atoms present. And
as each atom is destroyed it releases its
90 electron volts of electrical energy
No one, of course, has ever seen an
atom. 1t is far too small to be seen
even with the most powerful microscope.
A thousand atoms could be placed on
the point of a sharp needle and not be
at all crowded. Atoms are grouped to-
gether in definite patterns to form mole
cules. 1t takes thousands of molecules
to form one grain of matter and there
are approximately $50 grains in an
ounce. Therefore it can be seen that
one ounce of uranium 235. if split up
and DESTROYED, would release billions Of
electron volts of electricity.
Billions of Volts
When the electrical energy that is
imprisoned in an atom is released from
operating the atom by the destruction
of the atomic machinery. it returns to
the body of the ether of space in the
form of radiation. This means that at
the time of the destruction of the
billions of atoms contained in an ounce
of U-235 many billions of volts of elec-
trical energy are released.
The sudden release of this vast power
generates light and heat radiation of
unbelievable intensity. The heat, equi-
valent to probably 1000, 100000 degrees
centigrade, will melt and vaporize every
thing within it's immediate sphere of
activity, and the force of the explosion
occasioned by the sudden release of
this stupendous electrical energy will
shatter everything within its path.
At the present time our attention and
imagination are focused on the terrific
devastation that can be wrought by its
unprecedented power to destroy. We
are thinking Of atomic energy in terms
of humiliation. Having been engaged
in a life and death struggle with the
forces of brutality and destruction fol
the past five years we are destruction
minded. It took monstrous war te
spur into being the greatest scientific
discovery man ever has made.
Now that we have mastered the secret
of releasing atomic energy, what are
we going to do with it? A great many
highly fantastic and ridiculous predic-
tions as to the application of the atomic
honh r,rincinle tn neacetine r,,rc,,it,
have been, and will be, made. Pseudo.
scientists, crackpot inventors and tn.
lunatic fringe will have a field day. w,
are being told that grain or two O.
U-235 sealed in the engine of an automo
bile will furnish the power to run tn,
car during its lifetime; that pinch O.
the stun will run battleship aroune