The History of Nuclear Power

Abstract

The discovery and application of nuclear power is one of the most profound scientific accomplishments of the 20th century, beginning with tentative explorations of the structure of matter, expanding into a rapid succession of unexpected discoveries, and finally settling into a seamless transition from theoretical science to applied engineering. Science transitioned from an academic pursuit to an industry and public safety concerns shifted from boiler explosions on steamboats to nuclear reactor explosions on continents.