In order to fully understand how nuclear weapons work, it is crucial to first understand the basic atomic structure of an atom. The discovery and contribution of the atom formed the foundation of modern nuclear weapons. Added to this is the production of electricity through the use of nuclear energy. A Greek dilettante named Democritus was known to be the first to theorize the atom as the universal building block of all things during the fourth century BC. He amplified an earlier notion of his mentor and philosopher Leucippus. Democritus proposed a concept of a pixelated world composed of tiny balls of invisible and impossible to divide matter. He called these little balls “atoms,” which means indivisible. This is where the concept of the atom was first conceived. Most of Democritus' writings were ignored and none survive today in their original form due to Plato's dislike. However, some believe that he was the father of modern science. In 1808, an English school teacher and scientist named John Dalton proposed a modern atomic theory. Dalton suggested the idea of ​​the atom as the smallest particle or building block that created all other materials around us. He developed the idea, but he wasn't sure what role they played in the environment and other objects. The introduction of his theory led scientists to form their own ideas about the small particles that existed; with positively and negatively charged electrons holding matter together. These positively and negatively charged electrons, now called protons and electrons; which will be discussed in more detail in this article, were only recognized after the discovery of the atom. This was an amazing di...... middle of paper ...... -238 is used as a tamper/reflector to minimize neutron leakage and capture. Depending on what happens to the free neutron produced, different types of chain reactions result in different uses. For a nuclear reactor, a sustained chain reaction is necessary. This is where the number of neutrons neither increases nor decreases; this remains constant. To get the most out of a nuclear weapon and increase its effectiveness, you need more neutrons. /discovery.yukozimo.com/who-discovered-the-atom/ http://www.atomicarchive.com/Fission/Fission1.shtml http://lc.brooklyn.cuny.edu/smarttutor/corc1322/ASIntro.html http http://www.english-online.at/science/atoms-and-elements/atoms-and-important-chemical-elements.htm http://www.cddc.vt.edu/host/atomic/trinity/trinity1 . HTML