Print this page The Atomic Age
J.M. Syken
Course Outline
Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1940s/50s, we will examine the history, development and technology involved with atomic energy. This includes the nature of the atom and nuclear fission.
We will examine the structure of the atom, the many elements formed from atoms and, in particular, the radioactive elements such as Uranium. We’ll examine how the heat energy of the atom can be used to generate electricity and the peaceful applications of radiation in industry and/or health care.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand/appreciate the development of atomic theory starting with English Chemist John Dalton through Enrico Fermi’s discovery of the nuclear chain reaction;
- Understand/appreciate how Albert Einstein’s formula E=MC2 explained how tremendous energy is contained in their nucleus of all materials containing mass;
- Understand/appreciate the structure of the atom including protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic weight etc.;
- Understand/appreciate how isotopes from the same element are formed and how elements can change from one element to another via Natural Transmutation;
- Understand/appreciate the use of radiation in industrial and health care applications;
- Understand/appreciate the principles behind an atomic reactor and how the great heat generated is harnessed;
- Understand/appreciate how the steam generated by an atomic reactor is used to drive a turbine generator and produce large quantities of electricity; and
- Understand/appreciate the inherent dangers of radiation and precautions taken to control its release around nuclear facilities.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.
Benefit to Attendees
The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the background, history, development, processes etc. of atomic energy.
Course Introduction
The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;
- Part 1 – The Atomic Genie
- Part 2 – The Peaceful Atom
- Part 3 – Keeping the Peace
Part 1 examines the development of atomic theory, the structure of the atom and the process of nuclear fission. Part 2 examines the peaceful applications of the atom in science, industry and medicine. Part 3 examines the development/use of nuclear reactors in submarines.
Course Content
Part 1 – The Atomic Genie;
TITLE: The Atom: A Closer Look (1980)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/The_Atom
DURATION: 29:09
TITLE: ‘A’ is for Atom (1953)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/isforAto1953
DURATION: 14:42
Part 2 – The Peaceful Atom;
TITLE: Atoms for Peace (ca.1959)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/atoms_for_peace
DURATION: 17:06
TITLE: Atomic Power at Shippingport (ca.1958)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/0003_Atomic_Power_at_Shippingport_01_30_00_00
DURATION: 29:02
TITLE: Magic of the Atom: The Atomic City (ca. 1954)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/2029_Magic_of_the_Atom_The_The_Atomic_City
DURATION: 12:37
Part 3 – Keeping the Peace;
TITLE: The Atom Goes to Sea (1954)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/atom_goes_to_sea
DURATION: 11:25
Course Summary
The release of the atomic genie was inevitable, but it was hastened by the discovery of nuclear fission in the first year of WWII (1939) achieving accelerated development as the ultimate weapon of war. The wartime need to develop atomic energy for destructive ends led to the peacetime development of atomic energy for the betterment of mankind in the fields of electrical generation, improved industrial processes, medical technology etc. Though the shadow of nuclear war haunts mankind, the light at the end of the tunnel has been the many peaceful applications made of the building block of the universe – the atom, in the atomic age.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Nuclear_power
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
