How Oppenheimer's Atomic Bomb Works || Nuclear Bomb Working

Summary

On July 16, 1945, the first nuclear bomb was tested in America, leading to the creation of the devastating 'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man' bombs. The 'Little Boy' bomb, using uranium-235, was dropped on Hiroshima, killing 70,000 instantly and many more later. Today's uranium, more potent and pure, can release energy 80 times greater than 1945's bombs. The script explores the science behind nuclear fission, the design of the 'Little Boy' bomb, and its catastrophic effects, questioning Oppenheimer's legacy and humanity's ongoing nuclear arsenal.

Takeaways

• 🌟 On July 16, 1945, the first nuclear bomb was tested in America, marking the dawn of a new era in warfare.
• 💥 J. Robert Oppenheimer, the 'father of the atomic bomb,' famously quoted the Bhagavad Gita after witnessing the test, expressing his mixed feelings about his creation.
• 🎯 The 'Little Boy' nuclear bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945, causing immediate and long-term devastation.
• 🔬 Two types of nuclear bombs were developed during WWII: 'Little Boy' with uranium and 'Fat Man' with plutonium, each utilizing specific isotopes for nuclear fission.
• 🚀 Modern uranium can release energy equivalent to 20,000 tons of TNT, which is significantly more powerful than the uranium used in 1945.
• ⚛️ Uranium's energy output is immense, with 1 kg of uranium having the energy potential of 27 lakh kg of coal.
• 🔄 Nuclear fission involves the splitting of uranium atoms, releasing energy and additional neutrons that perpetuate the reaction.
• 🛠 The 'Little Boy' bomb was designed like a gun, using a cylindrical bag of corodite powder and a tungsten carbide disk to initiate the nuclear fission process.
• 🛫 Dropped from a B-29 bomber at 38,000 feet, the bomb's descent was controlled by fins and a combination of sensors and timers.
• 💣 The explosion created a fireball with temperatures comparable to the sun's surface, causing immediate and widespread destruction.
• ☢️ The long-term effects of the bomb included radiation sickness, which continued to claim lives and increase the risk of cancer for decades.
• 🏛 The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in approximately 200,000 deaths and left lasting environmental and health impacts.
• 🕊️ Oppenheimer's later life was marked by regret and efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, raising questions about his legacy.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on July 16, 1945, at 5:30 in the morning in America?

On July 16, 1945, at 5:30 AM, the first nuclear bomb was tested in America, marking a pivotal moment in military history.

What did Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb, famously quote after witnessing the test?

Oppenheimer, often referred to as the 'father of the atomic bomb,' quoted, 'Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,' reflecting his mixed feelings about the bomb's destructive power.

When and where was the 'Little Boy' bomb dropped, and what was its immediate impact?

The 'Little Boy' bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945, at 8:15 AM on Hiroshima, Japan, killing approximately 70,000 people instantly and causing the same number of deaths in the following two months.

What were the two types of nuclear bombs created by Oppenheimer, and what materials were used in each?

Oppenheimer was involved in the creation of two nuclear bombs: 'Little Boy,' which used Uranium as an explosive, and 'Fat Man,' which used Plutonium.

Why were specific isotopes of Uranium and Plutonium used in the bombs?

Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 isotopes were used because they are capable of undergoing nuclear fission and have a higher availability of neutrons, which are essential for the fission process.

How does the energy released by 1 kg of modern uranium compare to that of the uranium used in the 'Little Boy' bomb?

Modern uranium can release energy equivalent to 20,000 tons of TNT, which is 80 times more powerful than the 15,000 tons of TNT produced by the 64 kg of Uranium used in the 'Little Boy' bomb.

What is the relationship between the energy produced by 1 kg of uranium and the energy from coal in a thermal power plant?

1 kg of uranium is equivalent to the energy produced by 27 lakh kg (or 270,000 kg) of coal in a thermal power plant, highlighting the high energy density of uranium.

Can you explain the process of nuclear fission as described in the script?

Nuclear fission involves the splitting of a heavy, unstable nucleus, such as Uranium, into smaller atoms upon the absorption of a neutron. This process releases a large amount of energy and additional neutrons, which can then initiate further fission reactions in a chain reaction.

What was the design mechanism of the 'Little Boy' bomb, and how did it function?

The 'Little Boy' bomb operated on a gun-type mechanism. It was designed to bring a sub-critical mass of Uranium-235 into contact with a super-critical mass to achieve critical mass and initiate nuclear fission upon detonation.

What were the immediate and long-term effects of the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

The immediate effects included the deaths of approximately 200,000 people due to the blast, fire, and radiation. Long-term effects include radiation sickness, increased cancer risk, and environmental damage that persists to this day.

How did Oppenheimer feel about his role in creating the atomic bomb, and what efforts did he make post-bomb development?

Oppenheimer felt deep regret about his role in the development of the atomic bomb and tried to advocate for its ban, although he was unsuccessful in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

What is the current global situation regarding nuclear weapons, and how many countries possess them?

As of the script's information, more than 10 countries possess nuclear weapons, and there are approximately 12,500 nuclear bombs on Earth. Despite no use of nuclear weapons in the last 80 years, the potential for their use remains a significant concern.

Outlines

00:00

💥 The Birth of the Atomic Age

On July 16, 1945, the first nuclear bomb was tested in America, with Oppenheimer, the creator, famously quoting 'Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.' This marked the beginning of a new era in warfare. Just 20 days later, the 'Little Boy' bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, killing approximately 70,000 instantly and many more in the following months. The script delves into the technicalities of the bomb, including the use of Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 as fissile materials. It also contrasts the power of the 1945 bomb with modern nuclear capabilities, highlighting the increased efficiency and purity of today's uranium, which can release energy equivalent to 20,000 tons of TNT per kilogram, compared to the 15,000 tons from 64kg of uranium in 'Little Boy'. The script explains the process of nuclear fission, the design of the 'Little Boy' bomb, and its detonation mechanism, emphasizing the destructive power and the long-lasting effects of nuclear weapons.

05:03

🌑 The Devastating Aftermath of Nuclear Warfare

This paragraph describes the catastrophic aftermath of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima. The immediate release of energy upon detonation created a fireball 1200 feet in diameter, reaching 6000 feet high, with temperatures comparable to the sun's surface. The explosion resulted in the instantaneous death of approximately 40,000 people, with shockwaves causing widespread destruction and earthquakes. The fireball created a vacuum, drawing in air and expanding into a firestorm with a diameter of 3.2 kilometers. The intense heat and pressure killed everyone within its reach, and the subsequent radiation effects caused long-term health issues, including burns and increased cancer risk. The bombing led to the death of around 200,000 people in total, with lingering effects still visible today. Oppenheimer's regret and unsuccessful attempts to ban nuclear weapons are mentioned, posing a moral question about his legacy. The script concludes with a reflection on the current global nuclear arsenal and the potential for future disasters, urging viewers to consider the implications of nuclear technology.

Keywords

💡Nuclear Bomb

A nuclear bomb is a powerful weapon that releases energy through nuclear reactions of fission or fusion. It is the central theme of the video, illustrating the destructive power of such weapons. The script describes the first successful test of a nuclear bomb in America and the subsequent use of 'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man' bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, which resulted in massive loss of life and long-term effects.

💡Oppenheimer

J. Robert Oppenheimer was an American physicist who is often referred to as the 'father of the atomic bomb' for his role in the Manhattan Project, the World War II project that developed the first nuclear weapons. The script mentions Oppenheimer's reaction to the test of the bomb and his later regret, highlighting the moral and ethical implications of his work.

💡Little Boy

The 'Little Boy' was the code name for the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima. It was an uranium-based weapon, which was part of the script's discussion on the types of nuclear bombs and their devastating effects. The term 'Little Boy' is used in the script to describe the specific bomb and its role in the historical event.

💡Uranium

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal that is used as a fuel in nuclear reactors and as a key component in nuclear weapons. The script explains that uranium-235 isotope was used in the 'Little Boy' bomb, emphasizing its role in nuclear fission and the energy it can release.

💡Plutonium

Plutonium is another radioactive element that can be used in nuclear weapons and reactors. The script mentions that plutonium-239 isotope was used in the 'Fat Man' bomb, which was the second nuclear weapon dropped during World War II, highlighting the different materials used in nuclear weapons.

💡Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is a process in nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry in which the nucleus of an atom splits into parts. The script explains that the energy released from the fission of uranium and plutonium is what powers nuclear bombs and reactors, and how the process is initiated by adding a neutron to the atom.

💡Critical Mass

Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material needed to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. The script describes how the 'Little Boy' bomb was designed to achieve critical mass by combining sub-critical and super-critical masses of uranium, which is essential for the bomb's detonation.

💡Chain Reaction

A chain reaction in the context of nuclear physics refers to a series of repeated events where each event triggers the next. The script explains that the release of neutrons and energy from the fission of uranium atoms causes a self-sustaining chain reaction, which is the principle behind the explosion of a nuclear bomb.

💡Blast

In the script, 'blast' refers to the explosion caused by the detonation of the nuclear bomb. It is used to describe the immediate destructive force that resulted in the loss of life and property, as well as the long-term environmental and health effects.

💡Radiation

Radiation in this context refers to the energy particles or waves emitted from the nuclear explosion, which can cause both immediate and long-term health effects. The script discusses the radiation effects on people near the bomb's detonation and the long-lasting environmental impact.

💡Mushroom Cloud

A mushroom cloud is the characteristic cloud of debris and smoke that results from a large explosion, typically associated with nuclear detonations. The script describes the formation of a mushroom cloud from the 'Little Boy' bomb, symbolizing the immense power and destructive potential of nuclear weapons.

Highlights

On July 16, 1945, the first nuclear bomb was tested in America, with Oppenheimer expressing profound regret with the phrase 'Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds'.

The 'Little Boy' nuclear bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945, killing approximately 140,000 people instantly or within two months.

Oppenheimer created two nuclear bombs, 'Fat Man' and 'Little Boy', using Uranium and Plutonium, respectively, both of which are radioactive materials.

Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 isotopes were used in the bombs due to their capability for nuclear fission and neutron availability.

Modern uranium can release energy equivalent to 20,000 tons of TNT, which is 80 times more powerful than the uranium used in the 'Little Boy' bomb in 1945.

Today's nuclear bombs are smaller in size but have significantly higher power due to the purity of the explosive materials, Plutonium and Uranium.

1 kg of uranium has the energy equivalent of 27 lakh kg of coal, highlighting the efficiency of nuclear energy.

Nuclear fission in uranium occurs when the atom is destabilized and breaks into smaller atoms, releasing a large amount of energy.

The speed of the neutrons released during fission is extremely high, approximately 30% of the speed of light.

The 'Little Boy' bomb's design was similar to a gun mechanism, and it was dropped from a B-29 bomber at 38,000 feet.

The bomb's barometer and radar sensors activated upon release, with the firing switch activating 1900 feet above Hiroshima's ground.

The ignition of corodite powder by a spark initiated the nuclear fission process in the 'Little Boy' bomb.

The bomb's explosion created a fireball with a diameter of 1200 feet and a temperature of 6000°C, instantly killing 40,000 people.

The shockwave from the explosion caused by the 'Little Boy' bomb traveled faster than the speed of sound, resulting in significant earthquakes.

The bomb's detonation created a vacuum, leading to a firestorm with a diameter of 3.2 kilometers, incinerating everything in its path.

Radiation effects from the bomb continued to cause harm, with skin burns and increased cancer risks, affecting people up to 11 kilometers away.

Approximately 200,000 people died due to the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with long-lasting effects still visible today.

Despite the high cost and destructive power of nuclear bombs, over 10 countries possess them, and 12,500 are estimated to be on Earth.

Oppenheimer's regret over his invention and his unsuccessful attempts to ban nuclear bombs highlight the moral dilemmas of nuclear technology.

A call to action for learning 3D animation and joining the 3D community is made, with a course link provided in the description.

Transcripts

16 july 1945 At 5:30 in the morning, a nuclear bomb is tested in America,

seeing the result, one thing comes out of the mouth of Oppenheimer, the creator of this bomb -

"Now I am become the death the destroyer of world"

And this thing also becomes true,

20 days after the testing of this bomb, on August 6, 1945,

America drops the little boy bomb at 8:15 am on Hiroshima, Japan.

Which kills about 70000 people instantly and takes the lives of the same number of people in the next 2 months

and after that we are looking for life on moon and mars.

Oppenheimer made two bombs - fat man and little boy

Uranium was used as an explosive in Little Boy and Plutonium in Fatman.

Both Uranium and Plutonium are radioactive material but here Uranium's isotypes u235 were used

and Plutonium's isotops p239.

Because only these isotopes can process nuclear fission and they have more availability of neutrons,

which you will understand a little further.

But the interesting thing in today's new technology is that in 1945, 64kg unreached uranium was used in little boy bomb,

which produces energy as much as 15000 ton tnt.

But today's 1 kg of uranium can release energy as much as 20,000 ton tnt

which is 80 times more powerful than the bomb of 1945.

So today's nuclear bomb is small in size and very high in power.

Explosive material is still plutonium and uranium but it is in more pure form.

If we understand the power of uranium in simple language,

then electricity is generated from coal in a thermal power plant

And uranium is used in a nuclear power plant, so 1 kg of uranium is equal to 27 lakh kg of coal.

The atomic weight of uranium is high, then it is broken into smaller atoms by the process of nuclear fission

and when this uranium breaks, it releases a lot of energy.

As we understand here, this is an atom of uranium, now this atom remains stable under normal condition,

but we have to destabilize it so that it releases its energy.

That's why we add a neutron to it

as soon as we add neutron to it it becomes unstable and it breaks into two atoms.

Now three neutrons and tremendous energy comes out of this breakdown.

Now these neutrons have a lot of energy

and their traveling speed is also so high that it travels at a speed of 30% of the speed of light.

So these three neutrons further collide with the uranium atom and break them,

and then neutrons and energy come out of them and then they further break the uranium atom. In this type,

a long uncontrolled chain reaction runs until the energy is released from the entire uranium atom.

Now this process takes place inside the nuclear bomb, but to conduct this process, the design of the bomb may be different.

The design of activating Oppenheimer's little boy bomb was similar to the mechanism of a gun,

which we will understand further.

The bomb was 10 feet long and 28 inches in diameter and weighed 4400kg.

The name of the aircraft from which this bomb was to be dropped is B-29 which is a bomber aircraft.

When the aircraft was at a height of 38000 feet, the aircraft opened its doors and dropped the bomb.

From here the work of the bomb starts, there are fins on the back side, which will now be used to balance it in the air.

As soon as the bomb falls, it has a 24 volt battery which activates the timer and the sensor in the bomb.

The barometer sensor continuously checks the height from the ground

and simultaneously the radar sensors on the body of the bomb are also activated

The firing switch was activated when the bomb was 1900 feet above the ground of Hiroshima.

This switch turns on the igniter which generates the spark

and in front of this spark there is a cylindrical bag of silk filled with corodite powder.

Corodite is a smokeless propellant that has an explosion from a spark

Tungsten carbide disk is kept in front of this explosion, on which tremendous force of this explosion comes.

And in front of this disc, the sub-critical mass value of enriched uranium 235 is kept,

which is like empty rings in the middle, whose weight is 38.4kg.

Now from the explosion tungsten carbide disk moves forward with uranium at a speed of 300 m/s.

And on the front side the enriched Uranium 235 is kept in cylindrical form of super-critical value

whose weight is 25,6kg which is sitting ready for explosion.

Here the super critical and sub critical mass values ​​of enriched uranium are kept

so that critical mass is achieved And critical mass is the value at which uranium becomes fissionable,

otherwise the process of nuclear fission will not start in it.

So as enter the ring of uranium fits in speed in this cylinder,

so the polonium initiators are there at the back, which will start injecting neutrons,

With which the nuclear fission process starts.

The gun barrel here is made of very strong metal,

so until the process of nuclear fission is complete, this metal holds the uranium.

And as soon as the process of nuclear fusion is complete, so much energy is released that this metal melts and explodes.

This blast is so tremendous that a tremendous fire ball of 1200 feet diameter is created

which goes up to 6000 feet.

It is a mushroom-like luminous cloud whose temperature is 6000C, which is equal to the sun's surface temperature.

This fireball killed about 40,000 people in the blink of an eye,

all the people who were in its area will disappear completely, even their bones will not survive, they will turn into steam.

This fire ball will create a lot of shockwave

and this shock wave will travel in all directions at a speed higher than the speed of sound

due to which strong earthquakes will also start coming.

Little boy bomb is blasted at some height from the surface so that its fire ball can cover more area

As soon as the blast occurs, the temperature becomes so high that the air that was here gets heated and rises,

due to which a vacuum is created here.

To balance the center of the bomb, the air on the side will move towards the center of the bomb,

due to which this fireball turns into a firestream whose diameter is 3.2 kilometers.

And this fire ball will increase the pressure and temperature so much that all the people in its diameter will be killed immediately

and the building will be reduced to ashes.

After this, the people who are from the center of the bomb for about 11 kilometers, will see the effect of a lot of radiation,

due to which the skin of the people will start burning.

People die because of this bomb mainly because of 3 blast fire and radiation,

then people will die from blast and fire at the same time, but this radiation will continue to kill people for thousands of years.

And people will continue to have its side effects and the risk of cancer will always be there.

About 2 lakh people died due to this bomb of America on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

And even today the effect of that nuclear bomb is seen in that area, whose photos you can see here.

Oppenheimer was very regretful about his invention and he tried hard to ban this nuclear bomb but he could not.

Now you tell if Oppenheimer is a hero or a villain?

The price of 1 kg of Uranium is 7 million dollars, yet 12500 nuclear bombs are available on our earth.

Today, more than 10 countries have nuclear bombs, in the last 80 years no nuclear bomb has been used,

but still we humans are roaming around with petrol in one hand and burning match stick in the other.

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