The History of Nuclear Energy

This chapter provides a historical account of nuclear energy. A series of investigations in atomic and nuclear physics in the period 1879–1939 led to the discovery of fission. New knowledge was developed about particles and rays, radioactivity, and the structures of the atom and the nucleus. The existence of fission suggested that a chain reaction involving neutrons was possible and that the process had military significance. A major national program was initiated in the United States during World War II. The development of uranium isotope separation methods, of nuclear reactors for plutonium production, and of weapons technology culminated in the use of atomic bombs to end the war. In the post-war period, emphasis was placed on maintenance of nuclear protection and on peaceful applications of nuclear processes under the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). Four reactor concepts—the pressurized water, boiling water, fast breeder, and gas cooled—evolved through work by national laboratories and industry. The first two concepts were brought to commercial status in the 1960s. Public support for nuclear power waned for a variety of reasons in the late 20th century but has increased markedly in recent years.