Atomic Energy: Harnessing the AtomNew inventions are created daily; however, it is those who truly change the world who are remembered. The use and discovery of atomic energy has a negative impact on the world because of the danger it brings. Many people around the world believe that the use of atomic energy is wrong based on past events such as the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The abuse of atomic energy has been proven to damage societal morale and the population and could potentially destroy entire populations. Scientists in ancient times helped influence the discoveries that led to the development of atomic energy. In the late 1800s, Dalton created the atomic theory that explains atoms, elements, and compounds (Henderson 1). This was important for the study and understanding of atoms for future scientists. Atomic theory was a list of scientific laws regarding atoms and their potential capabilities. Roentagen, used Dalton's discoveries and discovered X-rays capable of passing through solid objects (Henderson 1). Although he did not discover x-ray radiation, he helped lay the foundation for electromagnetic waves. Shortly after Roentagen's discoveries, JJ Thompson discovered the electron responsible for defining the characteristics of the atom (Henderson 2). The electron helped scientists discover why an atom responds to reactions the way it does and how it received its "personality." The discoveries of Dalton, Roentagen, and Thompson helped other scientists discover the uses of atomic energy and reactions. Such applications were discovered in the early 1900s using Einstein's equation, which stated that if a chain reaction occurred, cheap, reliable energy could arise...... middle of paper.. .... Scientists were not aware of the damage it would cause, and afterward, many felt guilty. Atomic energy truly changed the world for the worse. Not only was atomic energy dangerous in the past, but today, as we improve the fission and fusion of an atom, the risk of destroying the world increases. Works Cited Henderson, Harry. Nuclear energy. Santa Barbara: Contemporary World Problems, 2000. Elish, Dan. The Manhattan Project. Toronto: Scholastic, 2007. Poolos, J. The Atomic Bombing of Hirsoshima and Nagasaki. New York: Info Base Publishing, 2008. Scherer, Glenn and Marty Flecther. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the mastermind behind the bomb. New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, 2008. “The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima.” The Manhattan Project An interactive story. Department of Energy. February 7 2010. .