Nuclear weapons have had a global impact since 1945, starting with Otto Hahn's discovery of nuclear energy and the Manhattan Project leading to the first atomic bombings in Japan, showcasing the devastating power of these weapons and subsequent arms race between major powers. The process of nuclear fusion, utilized in hydrogen bombs, involves compressing atoms at high heat levels, while modern nuclear warfare centers around ballistic missiles carrying hydrogen warheads, with Russia and the USA possessing significant arsenals that could lead to a potential nuclear winter.
Insights
Nuclear weapons, born from Otto Hahn's discovery of nuclear energy and the Manhattan Project's development, have sparked global fear since 1945, with escalating destructive power showcased by the US and Soviet Union during the Cold War.
The fusion of small atoms like hydrogen in hydrogen bombs releases immense energy, requiring extreme heat and compression, highlighting the complex science behind these weapons and the potential for catastrophic global consequences in modern nuclear warfare.