Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon Theme of Science and Discovery

Pre-World War II was a super exciting time for theoretical physicists. They were starting to truly unlock the world of atoms and molecules for the first time, and it was exhilarating stuff. So when the top physicists and chemists were called upon to use this new knowledge to create a weapon to help annihilate the Nazi scourge, they jumped into action. Since Bomb: The Race to Build—And Steal—The World's Most Dangerous Weapon is all about this race to build the world's first atomic bomb, we would be remiss not to talk about science, the art of discovery, and everything that goes along with it.

1. What's the main difference between the American scientists and the Soviet scientists?
2. What's the main motivating factor for the scientists at Los Alamos?
3. Where were some of the other secret cities besides Los Alamos? What were their tasks?
4. Did any of the scientists express regret at what their work led to?

The world would have been better off if Hahn had never discovered fission.

The world is a better place because Hahn discovered fission.