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J. Robert Oppenheimer
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might be the most important physicist
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might be the most important physicist
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to have ever lived.
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to have ever lived.
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He never won a Nobel Prize,
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but he changed the world more
than most Nobel Prize winners.
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but he changed the world more
than most Nobel Prize winners.
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but he changed the world more
than most Nobel Prize winners.
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Under his leadership,
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the best physicists of the 20th century
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the best physicists of the 20th century
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the best physicists of the 20th century
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built the atomic bomb
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forever changing the course of history.
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forever changing the course of history.
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- If there is another world war,
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- If there is another world war,
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this civilization may go under.
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this civilization may go under.
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- [Derek] He has affected every war waged
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- [Derek] He has affected every war waged
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and every peace settled since
the end of World War ii.
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and every peace settled since
the end of World War ii.
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He also created a way for
humanity to destroy itself.
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He also created a way for
humanity to destroy itself.
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He also created a way for
humanity to destroy itself.
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- Now I am become death,
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the destroyer of worlds.
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the destroyer of worlds.
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- [Derek] This video is about
how to build an atomic bomb,
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- [Derek] This video is about
how to build an atomic bomb,
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the life of Oppenheimer,
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and why serious scientists were
worried about the explosion
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and why serious scientists were
worried about the explosion
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and why serious scientists were
worried about the explosion
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setting fire to the atmosphere,
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setting fire to the atmosphere,
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ending all life on earth.
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Part of this video is
brought to you by Wren.
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Part of this video is
brought to you by Wren.
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When J. Robert Oppenheimer was 21,
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he placed an apple laced
with toxic chemicals
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he placed an apple laced
with toxic chemicals
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he placed an apple laced
with toxic chemicals
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on the desk of his physics tutor.
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on the desk of his physics tutor.
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The tutor, Patrick Blackett,
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was an experimentalist
and he had hounded Robert
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was an experimentalist
and he had hounded Robert
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was an experimentalist
and he had hounded Robert
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to do more of what he thought
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Robert wasn't very good
at, experimental work.
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Robert wasn't very good
at, experimental work.
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Oppenheimer had already been
spending his days in a corner
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Oppenheimer had already been
spending his days in a corner
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of JJ Thompson's basement laboratory,
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of JJ Thompson's basement laboratory,
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of JJ Thompson's basement laboratory,
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attempting to make thin
films of beryllium,
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attempting to make thin
films of beryllium,
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which were used to study electrons.
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which were used to study electrons.
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But Oppenheimer was clumsy
and not good at this work.
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But Oppenheimer was clumsy
and not good at this work.
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He was soon avoiding
his duties in the lab,
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He was soon avoiding
his duties in the lab,
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spending his time listening to lectures
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spending his time listening to lectures
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and reading physics journals.
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It was 1925 and the 21 year
old Oppenheimer was becoming
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It was 1925 and the 21 year
old Oppenheimer was becoming
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It was 1925 and the 21 year
old Oppenheimer was becoming
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fascinated by the new
field of quantum mechanics.
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fascinated by the new
field of quantum mechanics.
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Despite being surrounded
by brilliant physicists
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Despite being surrounded
by brilliant physicists
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like Rutherford and Chadwick,
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like Rutherford and Chadwick,
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Oppenheimer was deeply unhappy.
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He wrote, "I'm having a pretty bad time.
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He wrote, "I'm having a pretty bad time.
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The lab work is a terrible bore,
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The lab work is a terrible bore,
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and I'm so bad at it that
it's impossible to feel
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and I'm so bad at it that
it's impossible to feel
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that I'm learning anything."
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that I'm learning anything."
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A friend walked in on him,
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A friend walked in on him,
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lying on the floor of his room,
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lying on the floor of his room,
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which he called "A miserable hole",
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which he called "A miserable hole",
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groaning and rolling from side
to side in emotional anguish.
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groaning and rolling from side
to side in emotional anguish.
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It was in this state that Robert
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It was in this state that Robert
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It was in this state that Robert
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attempted to poison Blackett.
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attempted to poison Blackett.
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The specifics are lost to history.
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There are conflicting reports
if Oppenheimer used cyanide
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There are conflicting reports
if Oppenheimer used cyanide
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There are conflicting reports
if Oppenheimer used cyanide
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or something he found in the lab,
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or something he found in the lab,
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which would've just made Blackett sick.
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which would've just made Blackett sick.
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which would've just made Blackett sick.
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This story sounds unbelievable,
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but Oppenheimer himself confirmed it.
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but Oppenheimer himself confirmed it.
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Luckily, Blackett did not eat the apple,
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Luckily, Blackett did not eat the apple,
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but the attempted poisoning became known
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but the attempted poisoning became known
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to the Cambridge University authorities.
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to the Cambridge University authorities.
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to the Cambridge University authorities.
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Robert's parents were visiting their son
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from the US at the time,
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from the US at the time,
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and Julius Oppenheimer
successfully lobbied Cambridge
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and Julius Oppenheimer
successfully lobbied Cambridge
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and Julius Oppenheimer
successfully lobbied Cambridge
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not to press criminal charges.
Due to his family's wealth,
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not to press criminal charges.
Due to his family's wealth,
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Robert wasn't even expelled from Cambridge
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Robert wasn't even expelled from Cambridge
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on the condition that he had
periodic counseling sessions
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on the condition that he had
periodic counseling sessions
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on the condition that he had
periodic counseling sessions
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with a psychiatrist in London.
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with a psychiatrist in London.
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(train horn blaring)
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(train horn blaring)
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(train horn blaring)
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(train horn blaring)
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In the summer of 1926,
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Robert traveled to the
University of Göttingen.
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Robert traveled to the
University of Göttingen.
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The chairman of the
department was Max Born,
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The chairman of the
department was Max Born,
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who just two years earlier
had coined the term,
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who just two years earlier
had coined the term,
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who just two years earlier
had coined the term,
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"Quantum Mechanics".
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"Quantum Mechanics".
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Born was reportedly a
thoughtful and gentle teacher
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Born was reportedly a
thoughtful and gentle teacher
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and had nurtured the work
of Werner Heisenberg,
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and had nurtured the work
of Werner Heisenberg,
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Wolfgang Pauli, Enrico Fermi,
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Wolfgang Pauli, Enrico Fermi,
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and Eugene Wigner,
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basically the who's who
of quantum mechanics.
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basically the who's who
of quantum mechanics.
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The class that Oppenheimer
was in was also extraordinary,
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The class that Oppenheimer
was in was also extraordinary,
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The class that Oppenheimer
was in was also extraordinary,
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including luminaries like Paul
Dirac and John Von Neumann,
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including luminaries like Paul
Dirac and John Von Neumann,
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where the academic culture
at Cambridge focused on
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where the academic culture
at Cambridge focused on
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experimental physics.
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experimental physics.
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Göttingen was all about
theoretical physics,
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Göttingen was all about
theoretical physics,
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and under Max Born's mentorship,
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and under Max Born's mentorship,
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Oppenheimer thrived.
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His mental health improved,
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His mental health improved,
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and he found a community
of people who were
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and he found a community
of people who were
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as obsessed with physics as he was.
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as obsessed with physics as he was.
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On November 14th, 1926,
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Robert wrote to Frank,
his younger brother,
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Robert wrote to Frank,
his younger brother,
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"You would like Göttingen.
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"You would like Göttingen.
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I find the work hard, thank God,
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I find the work hard, thank God,
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and almost pleasant."
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and almost pleasant."
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Robert was thriving and his
talent was being recognized.
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Robert was thriving and his
talent was being recognized.
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Born later wrote,
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"He was a man of great
talent and he was conscious
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"He was a man of great
talent and he was conscious
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"He was a man of great
talent and he was conscious
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of his superiority in a
way which was embarrassing
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of his superiority in a
way which was embarrassing
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and led to trouble."
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and led to trouble."
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When Oppenheimer was 23,
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he graduated with his PhD in physics.
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he graduated with his PhD in physics.
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He wrote his thesis in
German on the quantum theory
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He wrote his thesis in
German on the quantum theory
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of continuous spectra.
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of continuous spectra.
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All in all,
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he published more than a dozen papers
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he published more than a dozen papers
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in the two years he was at Göttingen.
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in the two years he was at Göttingen.
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Many of them expanded upon
the work of Werner Heisenberg,
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Many of them expanded upon
the work of Werner Heisenberg,
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Many of them expanded upon
the work of Werner Heisenberg,
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who was just three years
older than Oppenheimer.
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who was just three years
older than Oppenheimer.
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The two eventually met in 1927,
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The two eventually met in 1927,
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the same year Heisenberg
published his groundbreaking paper
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the same year Heisenberg
published his groundbreaking paper
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the same year Heisenberg
published his groundbreaking paper
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on the Quantum uncertainty principle.
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on the Quantum uncertainty principle.
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By all accounts,
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the pair got along well.
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the pair got along well.
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There was no way to know
that just 15 years later,
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There was no way to know
that just 15 years later,
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00:04:47,100 --> 00:04:47,730
There was no way to know
that just 15 years later,
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they would be deadly
rivals attempting to build
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they would be deadly
rivals attempting to build
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00:04:50,850 --> 00:04:51,900
the first nuclear bomb.
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the first nuclear bomb.
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Oppenheimer for the USA
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00:04:54,240 --> 00:04:54,540
and Heisenberg for Nazi Germany.
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and Heisenberg for Nazi Germany.
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At the time,
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At the time,
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it was thought that getting
significant amounts of energy
257
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it was thought that getting
significant amounts of energy
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00:05:00,840 --> 00:05:01,350
it was thought that getting
significant amounts of energy
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00:05:01,350 --> 00:05:03,600
out of radioactive atoms was impossible.
260
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out of radioactive atoms was impossible.
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Ever since the discovery of radioactivity
262
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Ever since the discovery of radioactivity
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by Henri Becquerel, Marie Curie,
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and Pierre Curie in the late 1890s,
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and Pierre Curie in the late 1890s,
266
00:05:11,550 --> 00:05:11,820
it was known that radioactivity
was a passive process.
267
00:05:11,820 --> 00:05:13,740
it was known that radioactivity
was a passive process.
268
00:05:13,740 --> 00:05:15,210
it was known that radioactivity
was a passive process.
269
00:05:15,210 --> 00:05:16,440
Unstable atoms would just decay at random,
270
00:05:16,440 --> 00:05:17,460
Unstable atoms would just decay at random,
271
00:05:17,460 --> 00:05:19,100
unpredictable times,
272
00:05:19,100 --> 00:05:19,650
unpredictable times,
273
00:05:19,650 --> 00:05:21,960
and surely there was
no way to control that.
274
00:05:21,960 --> 00:05:23,200
and surely there was
no way to control that.
275
00:05:23,200 --> 00:05:23,520
In 1933, Ernest Rutherford,
276
00:05:23,520 --> 00:05:26,070
In 1933, Ernest Rutherford,
277
00:05:26,070 --> 00:05:26,880
Oppenheimer's old boss
from Cambridge wrote that,
278
00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:28,927
Oppenheimer's old boss
from Cambridge wrote that,
279
00:05:28,927 --> 00:05:29,100
"Anyone who expects a source of power
280
00:05:29,100 --> 00:05:30,720
"Anyone who expects a source of power
281
00:05:30,720 --> 00:05:30,750
"Anyone who expects a source of power
282
00:05:30,750 --> 00:05:32,460
from the transformations of these atoms
283
00:05:32,460 --> 00:05:32,580
from the transformations of these atoms
284
00:05:32,580 --> 00:05:34,290
is talking moonshine."
285
00:05:34,290 --> 00:05:35,039
That same year,
286
00:05:35,039 --> 00:05:35,250
That same year,
287
00:05:35,250 --> 00:05:36,277
Albert Einstein said,
288
00:05:36,277 --> 00:05:37,320
"That there is not the
slightest indication
289
00:05:37,320 --> 00:05:38,195
"That there is not the
slightest indication
290
00:05:38,195 --> 00:05:39,419
that nuclear energy
will ever be obtainable.
291
00:05:39,419 --> 00:05:40,729
that nuclear energy
will ever be obtainable.
292
00:05:40,729 --> 00:05:41,639
It would mean that the atom
293
00:05:41,639 --> 00:05:42,480
It would mean that the atom
294
00:05:42,480 --> 00:05:43,199
would have to be shattered at will."
295
00:05:43,199 --> 00:05:45,057
would have to be shattered at will."
296
00:05:45,057 --> 00:05:46,080
297
00:05:46,080 --> 00:05:46,260
298
00:05:46,260 --> 00:05:49,020
So how would you break an atomic nucleus?
299
00:05:49,020 --> 00:05:49,183
So how would you break an atomic nucleus?
300
00:05:49,183 --> 00:05:51,240
Well, you could take a proton
301
00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:51,720
and accelerate it through
a large electric field
302
00:05:51,720 --> 00:05:53,280
and accelerate it through
a large electric field
303
00:05:53,280 --> 00:05:53,730
and accelerate it through
a large electric field
304
00:05:53,730 --> 00:05:56,460
and then smash it into a nucleus.
305
00:05:56,460 --> 00:05:56,580
and then smash it into a nucleus.
306
00:05:56,580 --> 00:05:58,617
This is exactly what John Cockcroft
307
00:05:58,617 --> 00:05:59,220
and Ernest Walton did in 1932.
308
00:05:59,220 --> 00:06:00,930
and Ernest Walton did in 1932.
309
00:06:00,930 --> 00:06:01,860
They accelerated protons
into lithium nuclei,
310
00:06:01,860 --> 00:06:04,380
They accelerated protons
into lithium nuclei,
311
00:06:04,380 --> 00:06:04,560
They accelerated protons
into lithium nuclei,
312
00:06:04,560 --> 00:06:05,526
breaking them apart.
313
00:06:05,526 --> 00:06:06,960
The pair would later win a
Nobel Prize for this work,
314
00:06:06,960 --> 00:06:08,982
The pair would later win a
Nobel Prize for this work,
315
00:06:08,982 --> 00:06:09,419
but a proton is positively charged,
316
00:06:09,419 --> 00:06:11,790
but a proton is positively charged,
317
00:06:11,790 --> 00:06:12,120
so it's repelled by all nuclei,
318
00:06:12,120 --> 00:06:14,220
so it's repelled by all nuclei,
319
00:06:14,220 --> 00:06:14,880
which are also positively charged.
320
00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:16,650
which are also positively charged.
321
00:06:16,650 --> 00:06:17,340
So to give them a hope of
overcoming this barrier,
322
00:06:17,340 --> 00:06:19,080
So to give them a hope of
overcoming this barrier,
323
00:06:19,080 --> 00:06:19,350
So to give them a hope of
overcoming this barrier,
324
00:06:19,350 --> 00:06:22,680
Cockcroft and Walton
had to use 250,000 volts
325
00:06:22,680 --> 00:06:23,610
Cockcroft and Walton
had to use 250,000 volts
326
00:06:23,610 --> 00:06:25,440
to accelerate the protons.
327
00:06:25,440 --> 00:06:25,740
Even then, only about
one in a billion protons
328
00:06:25,740 --> 00:06:28,440
Even then, only about
one in a billion protons
329
00:06:28,440 --> 00:06:28,710
Even then, only about
one in a billion protons
330
00:06:28,710 --> 00:06:31,440
actually hit and split a lithium nucleus,
331
00:06:31,440 --> 00:06:31,920
actually hit and split a lithium nucleus,
332
00:06:31,920 --> 00:06:34,500
so this would not be an
effective way to get energy.
333
00:06:34,500 --> 00:06:35,403
so this would not be an
effective way to get energy.
334
00:06:35,403 --> 00:06:36,180
335
00:06:36,180 --> 00:06:36,240
336
00:06:36,240 --> 00:06:38,133
But there is another way.
337
00:06:38,133 --> 00:06:39,539
338
00:06:39,539 --> 00:06:39,660
339
00:06:39,660 --> 00:06:42,720
In 1932, the neutron was discovered
340
00:06:42,720 --> 00:06:43,319
this subatomic particle that's about 0.1%
341
00:06:43,319 --> 00:06:45,780
this subatomic particle that's about 0.1%
342
00:06:45,780 --> 00:06:46,110
this subatomic particle that's about 0.1%
343
00:06:46,110 --> 00:06:47,640
heavier than a proton,
344
00:06:47,640 --> 00:06:48,419
and it has no electric charge,
345
00:06:48,419 --> 00:06:49,468
and it has no electric charge,
346
00:06:49,468 --> 00:06:51,300
so a neutron would not be
repelled from a nucleus.
347
00:06:51,300 --> 00:06:53,760
so a neutron would not be
repelled from a nucleus.
348
00:06:53,760 --> 00:06:54,419
And in 1933,
349
00:06:54,419 --> 00:06:55,410
And in 1933,
350
00:06:55,410 --> 00:06:57,900
Leo Szilard was thinking about
how you could use neutrons
351
00:06:57,900 --> 00:06:58,950
Leo Szilard was thinking about
how you could use neutrons
352
00:06:58,950 --> 00:07:00,720
to split nuclei.
353
00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:00,757
to split nuclei.
354
00:07:00,757 --> 00:07:02,880
"It suddenly occurred to me
that if we could find an element
355
00:07:02,880 --> 00:07:03,810
"It suddenly occurred to me
that if we could find an element
356
00:07:03,810 --> 00:07:04,800
which is split by neutrons and
which would emit two neutrons
357
00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:06,840
which is split by neutrons and
which would emit two neutrons
358
00:07:06,840 --> 00:07:07,350
which is split by neutrons and
which would emit two neutrons
359
00:07:07,350 --> 00:07:08,819
when it absorbed one neutron,
360
00:07:08,819 --> 00:07:09,120
when it absorbed one neutron,
361
00:07:09,120 --> 00:07:10,979
such an element if assembled
sufficiently large mass,
362
00:07:10,979 --> 00:07:12,307
such an element if assembled
sufficiently large mass,
363
00:07:12,307 --> 00:07:13,500
could sustain a nuclear chain reaction."
364
00:07:13,500 --> 00:07:16,020
could sustain a nuclear chain reaction."
365
00:07:16,020 --> 00:07:16,110
could sustain a nuclear chain reaction."
366
00:07:16,110 --> 00:07:17,190
But the thing is,
367
00:07:17,190 --> 00:07:18,840
nobody knew if there was an element
368
00:07:18,840 --> 00:07:19,380
nobody knew if there was an element
369
00:07:19,380 --> 00:07:20,280
that had a kind of nucleus
that would do that.
370
00:07:20,280 --> 00:07:21,680
that had a kind of nucleus
that would do that.
371
00:07:21,680 --> 00:07:23,419
372
00:07:23,419 --> 00:07:24,060
373
00:07:24,060 --> 00:07:26,550
On the 29th of January, 1939,
374
00:07:26,550 --> 00:07:27,720
Louise Alvarez, a
promising young physicist,
375
00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:28,950
Louise Alvarez, a
promising young physicist,
376
00:07:28,950 --> 00:07:29,580
was getting a haircut while reading
377
00:07:29,580 --> 00:07:30,547
was getting a haircut while reading
378
00:07:30,547 --> 00:07:31,080
"The San Francisco Chronicle",
379
00:07:31,080 --> 00:07:32,123
"The San Francisco Chronicle",
380
00:07:32,123 --> 00:07:33,720
and suddenly he got outta the chair
381
00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:34,530
and suddenly he got outta the chair
382
00:07:34,530 --> 00:07:35,280
halfway through the haircut and
ran to Oppenheimer's office.
383
00:07:35,280 --> 00:07:38,000
halfway through the haircut and
ran to Oppenheimer's office.
384
00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:38,430
halfway through the haircut and
ran to Oppenheimer's office.
385
00:07:38,430 --> 00:07:40,440
Alvarez read an article about
how two German chemists,
386
00:07:40,440 --> 00:07:41,430
Alvarez read an article about
how two German chemists,
387
00:07:41,430 --> 00:07:42,599
Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann
388
00:07:42,599 --> 00:07:43,440
Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann
389
00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:45,300
had successfully split an atom of uranium
390
00:07:45,300 --> 00:07:46,020
had successfully split an atom of uranium
391
00:07:46,020 --> 00:07:47,280
by bombarding it with neutrons.
392
00:07:47,280 --> 00:07:48,326
by bombarding it with neutrons.
393
00:07:48,326 --> 00:07:50,639
Oppenheimer was not impressed.
394
00:07:50,639 --> 00:07:50,977
Oppenheimer was not impressed.
395
00:07:50,977 --> 00:07:52,110
"That's impossible."
396
00:07:52,110 --> 00:07:53,220
He reportedly told the Young Alvarez
397
00:07:53,220 --> 00:07:54,270
He reportedly told the Young Alvarez
398
00:07:54,270 --> 00:07:55,020
proceeding to mathematically
prove on his blackboard
399
00:07:55,020 --> 00:07:56,759
proceeding to mathematically
prove on his blackboard
400
00:07:56,759 --> 00:07:56,820
proceeding to mathematically
prove on his blackboard
401
00:07:56,820 --> 00:07:59,193
why fission could never be achieved.
402
00:07:59,193 --> 00:08:00,660
403
00:08:00,660 --> 00:08:00,840
404
00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:02,100
But the next day,
405
00:08:02,100 --> 00:08:03,660
Alvarez had repeated the experiment
406
00:08:03,660 --> 00:08:04,470
Alvarez had repeated the experiment
407
00:08:04,470 --> 00:08:05,940
and invited Oppenheimer to see it.
408
00:08:05,940 --> 00:08:06,704
and invited Oppenheimer to see it.
409
00:08:06,704 --> 00:08:08,437
Alvarez later recalled that,
410
00:08:08,437 --> 00:08:09,000
"In less than 15 minutes,
411
00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:09,887
"In less than 15 minutes,
412
00:08:09,887 --> 00:08:11,400
he not only agreed that
the reaction was authentic,
413
00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:12,960
he not only agreed that
the reaction was authentic,
414
00:08:12,960 --> 00:08:13,560
but also speculated that in the process,
415
00:08:13,560 --> 00:08:14,978
but also speculated that in the process,
416
00:08:14,978 --> 00:08:15,660
extra neutrons would boil off.
417
00:08:15,660 --> 00:08:17,280
extra neutrons would boil off.
418
00:08:17,280 --> 00:08:17,759
That could be used to
split more uranium atoms
419
00:08:17,759 --> 00:08:19,710
That could be used to
split more uranium atoms
420
00:08:19,710 --> 00:08:20,039
and thereby generate power or make bombs."
421
00:08:20,039 --> 00:08:23,292
and thereby generate power or make bombs."
422
00:08:23,292 --> 00:08:23,580
When a single atom of
uranium-235 splits apart,
423
00:08:23,580 --> 00:08:26,639
When a single atom of
uranium-235 splits apart,
424
00:08:26,639 --> 00:08:27,180
When a single atom of
uranium-235 splits apart,
425
00:08:27,180 --> 00:08:28,979
it loses a little bit of mass,
426
00:08:28,979 --> 00:08:29,130
it loses a little bit of mass,
427
00:08:29,130 --> 00:08:31,020
which is released as energy.
428
00:08:31,020 --> 00:08:31,560
Following Einstein's
mass energy equivalence.
429
00:08:31,560 --> 00:08:33,990
Following Einstein's
mass energy equivalence.
430
00:08:33,990 --> 00:08:34,260
That is a tiny amount of energy,
431
00:08:34,260 --> 00:08:36,480
That is a tiny amount of energy,
432
00:08:36,480 --> 00:08:37,440
about 20 times less
than the amount required
433
00:08:37,440 --> 00:08:39,330
about 20 times less
than the amount required
434
00:08:39,330 --> 00:08:39,599
to raise a grain of sand,
435
00:08:39,599 --> 00:08:40,919
to raise a grain of sand,
436
00:08:40,919 --> 00:08:42,120
the thickness of a piece of paper.
437
00:08:42,120 --> 00:08:43,440
the thickness of a piece of paper.
438
00:08:43,440 --> 00:08:43,529
the thickness of a piece of paper.
439
00:08:43,529 --> 00:08:43,530
440
00:08:43,530 --> 00:08:45,510
But atoms are also tiny.
441
00:08:45,510 --> 00:08:46,020
In a one kilogram lump of uranium,
442
00:08:46,020 --> 00:08:47,550
In a one kilogram lump of uranium,
443
00:08:47,550 --> 00:08:48,420
there are about a
trillion, trillion atoms,
444
00:08:48,420 --> 00:08:50,730
there are about a
trillion, trillion atoms,
445
00:08:50,730 --> 00:08:51,600
so the energy quickly adds up.
446
00:08:51,600 --> 00:08:53,610
so the energy quickly adds up.
447
00:08:53,610 --> 00:08:55,260
Soon, almost everyone was
convinced in August of 1939,
448
00:08:55,260 --> 00:08:57,930
Soon, almost everyone was
convinced in August of 1939,
449
00:08:57,930 --> 00:08:58,800
Einstein, who just six years earlier
450
00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:00,030
Einstein, who just six years earlier
451
00:09:00,030 --> 00:09:00,600
believed that nuclear
bombs were impossible,
452
00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:02,220
believed that nuclear
bombs were impossible,
453
00:09:02,220 --> 00:09:02,940
signed his name to a letter
454
00:09:02,940 --> 00:09:03,780
signed his name to a letter
455
00:09:03,780 --> 00:09:04,560
addressed to President Franklin Roosevelt.
456
00:09:04,560 --> 00:09:05,843
addressed to President Franklin Roosevelt.
457
00:09:05,843 --> 00:09:07,200
The letter actually written
by Szilard warned Roosevelt
458
00:09:07,200 --> 00:09:09,510
The letter actually written
by Szilard warned Roosevelt
459
00:09:09,510 --> 00:09:09,720
of the possibility of nuclear weapons.
460
00:09:09,720 --> 00:09:11,790
of the possibility of nuclear weapons.
461
00:09:11,790 --> 00:09:12,000
It also pointed out that
Germany had access to uranium
462
00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:13,560
It also pointed out that
Germany had access to uranium
463
00:09:13,560 --> 00:09:14,400
It also pointed out that
Germany had access to uranium
464
00:09:14,400 --> 00:09:15,360
from the mines in Czechoslovakia,
465
00:09:15,360 --> 00:09:16,470
from the mines in Czechoslovakia,
466
00:09:16,470 --> 00:09:17,880
which was recently
taken over by the Nazis.
467
00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:19,530
which was recently
taken over by the Nazis.
468
00:09:19,530 --> 00:09:21,060
Roosevelt began an
informal uranium committee
469
00:09:21,060 --> 00:09:22,650
Roosevelt began an
informal uranium committee
470
00:09:22,650 --> 00:09:23,279
to discuss this topic,
471
00:09:23,279 --> 00:09:24,390
to discuss this topic,
472
00:09:24,390 --> 00:09:25,800
but then for two years, nothing happened.
473
00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:27,183
but then for two years, nothing happened.
474
00:09:27,183 --> 00:09:28,320
475
00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:28,680
476
00:09:28,680 --> 00:09:31,860
In 1941, Roosevelt upgraded the informal
477
00:09:31,860 --> 00:09:31,980
uranium committee to the S-1 committee,
478
00:09:31,980 --> 00:09:34,260
uranium committee to the S-1 committee,
479
00:09:34,260 --> 00:09:34,410
uranium committee to the S-1 committee,
480
00:09:34,410 --> 00:09:36,420
which would report directly
to the White House.
481
00:09:36,420 --> 00:09:37,050
which would report directly
to the White House.
482
00:09:37,050 --> 00:09:39,480
The explicit goal was to
develop an atomic bomb,
483
00:09:39,480 --> 00:09:40,592
The explicit goal was to
develop an atomic bomb,
484
00:09:40,592 --> 00:09:42,507
and in May, 1942,
485
00:09:42,507 --> 00:09:42,680
Oppenheimer was hired onto the committee
486
00:09:42,680 --> 00:09:45,150
Oppenheimer was hired onto the committee
487
00:09:45,150 --> 00:09:45,180
to be the coordinator of rapid rupture.
488
00:09:45,180 --> 00:09:48,724
to be the coordinator of rapid rupture.
489
00:09:48,724 --> 00:09:49,019
So why was he selected?
490
00:09:49,019 --> 00:09:51,682
So why was he selected?
491
00:09:51,682 --> 00:09:53,660
(dramatic music)
492
00:09:53,660 --> 00:09:54,600
(dramatic music)
493
00:09:54,600 --> 00:09:54,720
(dramatic music)
494
00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:56,234
Well, after completing his PhD,
495
00:09:56,234 --> 00:09:56,459
Oppenheimer became a physics professor,
496
00:09:56,459 --> 00:09:58,800
Oppenheimer became a physics professor,
497
00:09:58,800 --> 00:09:58,890
Oppenheimer became a physics professor,
498
00:09:58,890 --> 00:10:01,276
first at UC Berkeley, and then at Caltech,
499
00:10:01,276 --> 00:10:01,440
the brilliance he had shown
500
00:10:01,440 --> 00:10:03,060
the brilliance he had shown
501
00:10:03,060 --> 00:10:03,540
under Max Born's tutelage didn't fade.
502
00:10:03,540 --> 00:10:05,640
under Max Born's tutelage didn't fade.
503
00:10:05,640 --> 00:10:06,300
Indeed, it blossomed into a remarkable
504
00:10:06,300 --> 00:10:07,559
Indeed, it blossomed into a remarkable
505
00:10:07,559 --> 00:10:09,180
but strange physics career.
506
00:10:09,180 --> 00:10:10,740
but strange physics career.
507
00:10:10,740 --> 00:10:11,880
In the 15 years after finishing his PhD,
508
00:10:11,880 --> 00:10:13,530
In the 15 years after finishing his PhD,
509
00:10:13,530 --> 00:10:14,339
Oppenheimer made important
contributions to everything from
510
00:10:14,339 --> 00:10:15,779
Oppenheimer made important
contributions to everything from
511
00:10:15,779 --> 00:10:16,230
Oppenheimer made important
contributions to everything from
512
00:10:16,230 --> 00:10:18,120
nuclear physics to quantum field theory,
513
00:10:18,120 --> 00:10:18,750
nuclear physics to quantum field theory,
514
00:10:18,750 --> 00:10:20,520
and even astrophysics.
515
00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:21,120
He had a number of Nobel
Prize winning ideas.
516
00:10:21,120 --> 00:10:22,720
He had a number of Nobel
Prize winning ideas.
517
00:10:22,720 --> 00:10:23,339
One of his students, Willis Lamb,
518
00:10:23,339 --> 00:10:24,540
One of his students, Willis Lamb,
519
00:10:24,540 --> 00:10:25,260
became a Nobel laureate,
520
00:10:25,260 --> 00:10:26,430
became a Nobel laureate,
521
00:10:26,430 --> 00:10:27,600
but Oppenheimer himself
was nominated three times,
522
00:10:27,600 --> 00:10:29,003
but Oppenheimer himself
was nominated three times,
523
00:10:29,003 --> 00:10:30,180
but never actually won the Nobel Prize.
524
00:10:30,180 --> 00:10:32,463
but never actually won the Nobel Prize.
525
00:10:32,463 --> 00:10:33,240
526
00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:33,420
527
00:10:33,420 --> 00:10:34,860
When asked why he thought that Oppenheimer
528
00:10:34,860 --> 00:10:35,400
When asked why he thought that Oppenheimer
529
00:10:35,400 --> 00:10:36,906
never won the Nobel Prize,
530
00:10:36,906 --> 00:10:36,959
Murray Gell-Mann said that,
531
00:10:36,959 --> 00:10:38,917
Murray Gell-Mann said that,
532
00:10:38,917 --> 00:10:39,959
"He didn't have Sitzfleisch"
533
00:10:39,959 --> 00:10:41,160
"He didn't have Sitzfleisch"
534
00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:42,480
A German word that
translates to sitting flesh.
535
00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:44,340
A German word that
translates to sitting flesh.
536
00:10:44,340 --> 00:10:45,779
The ability to sit down
in a chair for a long time
537
00:10:45,779 --> 00:10:47,400
The ability to sit down
in a chair for a long time
538
00:10:47,400 --> 00:10:47,820
and do the hard work.
539
00:10:47,820 --> 00:10:48,727
and do the hard work.
540
00:10:48,727 --> 00:10:51,000
"He never wrote a long paper
or did a long calculation.
541
00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:52,590
"He never wrote a long paper
or did a long calculation.
542
00:10:52,590 --> 00:10:53,339
He didn't have the patience for that."
543
00:10:53,339 --> 00:10:54,713
He didn't have the patience for that."
544
00:10:54,713 --> 00:10:55,019
Wolfgang Pauli also said,
545
00:10:55,019 --> 00:10:56,416
Wolfgang Pauli also said,
546
00:10:56,416 --> 00:10:58,019
"His ideas are very good,
547
00:10:58,019 --> 00:10:58,470
"His ideas are very good,
548
00:10:58,470 --> 00:11:00,120
but his calculations are always wrong."
549
00:11:00,120 --> 00:11:00,927
but his calculations are always wrong."
550
00:11:00,927 --> 00:11:02,660
551
00:11:03,600 --> 00:11:04,320
But Oppenheimer was amazing with people.
552
00:11:04,320 --> 00:11:06,660
But Oppenheimer was amazing with people.
553
00:11:06,660 --> 00:11:07,380
He was a natural and charismatic leader,
554
00:11:07,380 --> 00:11:09,030
He was a natural and charismatic leader,
555
00:11:09,030 --> 00:11:09,720
and this combination,
556
00:11:09,720 --> 00:11:10,320
and this combination,
557
00:11:10,320 --> 00:11:11,880
his charisma and his ability
to generate great ideas
558
00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:13,214
his charisma and his ability
to generate great ideas
559
00:11:13,214 --> 00:11:14,279
would serve him well in
the next phase of his life.
560
00:11:14,279 --> 00:11:16,297
would serve him well in
the next phase of his life.
561
00:11:16,297 --> 00:11:16,840
(upbeat music)
562
00:11:16,840 --> 00:11:18,880
(upbeat music)
563
00:11:18,880 --> 00:11:21,360
564
00:11:21,360 --> 00:11:21,510
565
00:11:21,510 --> 00:11:23,730
On the 18th of September, 1942,
566
00:11:23,730 --> 00:11:24,060
general Leslie Groves was put in charge
567
00:11:24,060 --> 00:11:26,070
general Leslie Groves was put in charge
568
00:11:26,070 --> 00:11:26,399
of the Manhattan Project.
569
00:11:26,399 --> 00:11:27,690
of the Manhattan Project.
570
00:11:27,690 --> 00:11:29,700
- I was responsible for the
development of the atomic bomb.
571
00:11:29,700 --> 00:11:31,920
- I was responsible for the
development of the atomic bomb.
572
00:11:31,920 --> 00:11:32,279
- [Derek] On day one, he ordered
1200 tons of uranium ore.
573
00:11:32,279 --> 00:11:35,519
- [Derek] On day one, he ordered
1200 tons of uranium ore.
574
00:11:35,519 --> 00:11:36,011
- [Derek] On day one, he ordered
1200 tons of uranium ore.
575
00:11:36,011 --> 00:11:37,230
The next day,
576
00:11:37,230 --> 00:11:38,339
he ordered to buy the Oak Ridge site
577
00:11:38,339 --> 00:11:39,270
he ordered to buy the Oak Ridge site
578
00:11:39,270 --> 00:11:40,500
where the ore would be refined.
579
00:11:40,500 --> 00:11:41,430
where the ore would be refined.
580
00:11:41,430 --> 00:11:42,899
The next month in a surprising move,
581
00:11:42,899 --> 00:11:43,170
The next month in a surprising move,
582
00:11:43,170 --> 00:11:45,120
he chose Oppenheimer to
be the science director
583
00:11:45,120 --> 00:11:45,750
he chose Oppenheimer to
be the science director
584
00:11:45,750 --> 00:11:46,680
of the soon to be established
Los Alamos laboratory.
585
00:11:46,680 --> 00:11:49,160
of the soon to be established
Los Alamos laboratory.
586
00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:49,470
of the soon to be established
Los Alamos laboratory.
587
00:11:49,470 --> 00:11:51,300
Oppenheimer had just been
selected to be the chief architect
588
00:11:51,300 --> 00:11:52,350
Oppenheimer had just been
selected to be the chief architect
589
00:11:52,350 --> 00:11:53,410
of the atomic bomb.
590
00:11:53,410 --> 00:11:53,433
of the atomic bomb.
591
00:11:53,433 --> 00:11:55,680
592
00:11:55,680 --> 00:11:55,830
593
00:11:55,830 --> 00:11:58,385
The military establishment had concerns.
594
00:11:58,385 --> 00:11:58,579
Oppenheimer did not have a Nobel Prize,
595
00:11:58,579 --> 00:12:01,019
Oppenheimer did not have a Nobel Prize,
596
00:12:01,019 --> 00:12:01,080
Oppenheimer did not have a Nobel Prize,
597
00:12:01,080 --> 00:12:03,000
so would the scientists
hired for the project,
598
00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:03,180
so would the scientists
hired for the project,
599
00:12:03,180 --> 00:12:04,290
respect his opinion,
600
00:12:04,290 --> 00:12:04,920
and follow his leadership?
601
00:12:04,920 --> 00:12:06,120
and follow his leadership?
602
00:12:06,120 --> 00:12:07,500
Oppenheimer also had no prior
administrative experience
603
00:12:07,500 --> 00:12:09,090
Oppenheimer also had no prior
administrative experience
604
00:12:09,090 --> 00:12:09,839
over a large project like this.
605
00:12:09,839 --> 00:12:11,550
over a large project like this.
606
00:12:11,550 --> 00:12:12,420
Furthermore, he was a
theoretical physicist,
607
00:12:12,420 --> 00:12:14,190
Furthermore, he was a
theoretical physicist,
608
00:12:14,190 --> 00:12:14,579
who according to Isidor Rabi,
609
00:12:14,579 --> 00:12:16,237
who according to Isidor Rabi,
610
00:12:16,237 --> 00:12:17,339
"Was a very impractical fellow.
611
00:12:17,339 --> 00:12:18,660
"Was a very impractical fellow.
612
00:12:18,660 --> 00:12:19,440
He didn't know anything about equipment."
613
00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:21,450
He didn't know anything about equipment."
614
00:12:21,450 --> 00:12:22,380
And then there was the problem
615
00:12:22,380 --> 00:12:22,800
And then there was the problem
616
00:12:22,800 --> 00:12:23,760
of Oppenheimer's political stance.
617
00:12:23,760 --> 00:12:24,720
of Oppenheimer's political stance.
618
00:12:24,720 --> 00:12:25,980
He had links to the Communist Party,
619
00:12:25,980 --> 00:12:26,970
He had links to the Communist Party,
620
00:12:26,970 --> 00:12:27,899
including his wife, Catherine,
621
00:12:27,899 --> 00:12:28,770
including his wife, Catherine,
622
00:12:28,770 --> 00:12:31,440
who was a member of that party.
623
00:12:31,440 --> 00:12:31,560
who was a member of that party.
624
00:12:31,560 --> 00:12:34,170
But Groves was impressed by Oppenheimer.
625
00:12:34,170 --> 00:12:34,200
He valued his overwhelming ambition.
626
00:12:34,200 --> 00:12:36,750
He valued his overwhelming ambition.
627
00:12:36,750 --> 00:12:37,079
He also knew that Oppenheimer's
ability to understand
628
00:12:37,079 --> 00:12:38,579
He also knew that Oppenheimer's
ability to understand
629
00:12:38,579 --> 00:12:39,000
He also knew that Oppenheimer's
ability to understand
630
00:12:39,000 --> 00:12:40,260
problems not just in physics,
631
00:12:40,260 --> 00:12:40,530
problems not just in physics,
632
00:12:40,530 --> 00:12:41,970
but chemistry, engineering,
633
00:12:41,970 --> 00:12:42,779
and metallurgy would be invaluable.
634
00:12:42,779 --> 00:12:44,580
and metallurgy would be invaluable.
635
00:12:44,580 --> 00:12:45,660
Groves thought that Oppenheimer
was a "Real genius."
636
00:12:45,660 --> 00:12:48,270
Groves thought that Oppenheimer
was a "Real genius."
637
00:12:48,270 --> 00:12:48,779
Saying that why Oppenheimer
knows about everything.
638
00:12:48,779 --> 00:12:51,060
Saying that why Oppenheimer
knows about everything.
639
00:12:51,060 --> 00:12:51,877
Saying that why Oppenheimer
knows about everything.
640
00:12:51,877 --> 00:12:52,860
"He can talk to you about
anything you bring up.
641
00:12:52,860 --> 00:12:54,000
"He can talk to you about
anything you bring up.
642
00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:55,019
Well, not exactly.
643
00:12:55,019 --> 00:12:55,050
Well, not exactly.
644
00:12:55,050 --> 00:12:57,057
He doesn't know anything about sports."
645
00:12:57,057 --> 00:12:57,720
646
00:12:57,720 --> 00:12:57,900
647
00:12:57,900 --> 00:12:59,760
The two men couldn't
have been more different.
648
00:12:59,760 --> 00:13:00,270
The two men couldn't
have been more different.
649
00:13:00,270 --> 00:13:01,980
Oppenheimer weighed half as much as Groves
650
00:13:01,980 --> 00:13:02,880
Oppenheimer weighed half as much as Groves
651
00:13:02,880 --> 00:13:03,959
despite both of them being
nearly six feet tall.
652
00:13:03,959 --> 00:13:05,647
despite both of them being
nearly six feet tall.
653
00:13:05,647 --> 00:13:06,839
Ideologically, Oppenheimer
was a communist.
654
00:13:06,839 --> 00:13:08,820
Ideologically, Oppenheimer
was a communist.
655
00:13:08,820 --> 00:13:09,660
Groves, a staunch conservative,
656
00:13:09,660 --> 00:13:11,040
Groves, a staunch conservative,
657
00:13:11,040 --> 00:13:11,160
Groves, a staunch conservative,
658
00:13:11,160 --> 00:13:12,779
but Groves was convinced that Oppenheimer
659
00:13:12,779 --> 00:13:13,260
but Groves was convinced that Oppenheimer
660
00:13:13,260 --> 00:13:14,579
would be the person that
would build the atomic bomb
661
00:13:14,579 --> 00:13:15,600
would be the person that
would build the atomic bomb
662
00:13:15,600 --> 00:13:16,139
before the Nazis,
663
00:13:16,139 --> 00:13:16,860
before the Nazis,
664
00:13:16,860 --> 00:13:19,079
and that was all that mattered.
665
00:13:19,079 --> 00:13:19,263
and that was all that mattered.
666
00:13:19,263 --> 00:13:21,120
Isador Rabi later commented that,
667
00:13:21,120 --> 00:13:21,240
hiring Oppenheimer for this role was
668
00:13:21,240 --> 00:13:23,080
hiring Oppenheimer for this role was
669
00:13:23,080 --> 00:13:23,459
670
00:13:23,459 --> 00:13:24,402
671
00:13:24,402 --> 00:13:25,079
"A real stroke of genius
672
00:13:25,079 --> 00:13:25,235
"A real stroke of genius
673
00:13:25,235 --> 00:13:26,190
on the part of General Groves,
674
00:13:26,190 --> 00:13:27,120
who was not generally
considered to be a genius."
675
00:13:27,120 --> 00:13:28,857
who was not generally
considered to be a genius."
676
00:13:28,857 --> 00:13:29,459
677
00:13:29,459 --> 00:13:29,700
678
00:13:29,700 --> 00:13:32,100
The Manhattan Project needed a location.
679
00:13:32,100 --> 00:13:32,610
The Manhattan Project needed a location.
680
00:13:32,610 --> 00:13:34,320
Somewhere isolated to
keep the project secret
681
00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:34,927
Somewhere isolated to
keep the project secret
682
00:13:34,927 --> 00:13:36,845
safe from enemy attack.
683
00:13:36,845 --> 00:13:37,740
And while no one wanted to admit it,
684
00:13:37,740 --> 00:13:38,910
And while no one wanted to admit it,
685
00:13:38,910 --> 00:13:39,480
somewhere that was sparsely populated,
686
00:13:39,480 --> 00:13:40,830
somewhere that was sparsely populated,
687
00:13:40,830 --> 00:13:41,519
just in case there was an accident,
688
00:13:41,519 --> 00:13:43,233
just in case there was an accident,
689
00:13:43,233 --> 00:13:44,160
690
00:13:44,160 --> 00:13:44,310
691
00:13:44,310 --> 00:13:46,620
Oppenheimer proposed
Los Alamos, New Mexico.
692
00:13:46,620 --> 00:13:47,310
Oppenheimer proposed
Los Alamos, New Mexico.
693
00:13:47,310 --> 00:13:48,779
He had fallen in love with the
harsh desert in the mountains
694
00:13:48,779 --> 00:13:49,890
He had fallen in love with the
harsh desert in the mountains
695
00:13:49,890 --> 00:13:50,339
of New Mexico when he was in his twenties.
696
00:13:50,339 --> 00:13:51,758
of New Mexico when he was in his twenties.
697
00:13:51,758 --> 00:13:53,100
In 1929, Oppenheimer wrote to a friend.
698
00:13:53,100 --> 00:13:54,420
In 1929, Oppenheimer wrote to a friend.
699
00:13:54,420 --> 00:13:55,440
"My two great loves are
physics and New Mexico.
700
00:13:55,440 --> 00:13:57,360
"My two great loves are
physics and New Mexico.
701
00:13:57,360 --> 00:13:57,900
"My two great loves are
physics and New Mexico.
702
00:13:57,900 --> 00:14:00,480
It's a pity they can't be combined."
703
00:14:00,480 --> 00:14:00,600
It's a pity they can't be combined."
704
00:14:00,600 --> 00:14:02,160
But Oppenheimer had severely
underestimated the logistical
705
00:14:02,160 --> 00:14:03,480
But Oppenheimer had severely
underestimated the logistical
706
00:14:03,480 --> 00:14:03,899
challenge ahead.
707
00:14:03,899 --> 00:14:04,648
challenge ahead.
708
00:14:04,648 --> 00:14:04,690
(gentle music)
709
00:14:04,690 --> 00:14:07,779
(gentle music)
710
00:14:07,779 --> 00:14:07,980
In 1943, Oppenheimer estimated
711
00:14:07,980 --> 00:14:10,440
In 1943, Oppenheimer estimated
712
00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:10,920
that he'd need about six scientists
713
00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:13,118
that he'd need about six scientists
714
00:14:13,118 --> 00:14:14,519
supported by a handful of engineers
715
00:14:14,519 --> 00:14:15,300
supported by a handful of engineers
716
00:14:15,300 --> 00:14:16,260
and technicians to make a bomb.
717
00:14:16,260 --> 00:14:16,863
and technicians to make a bomb.
718
00:14:16,863 --> 00:14:18,740
719
00:14:20,160 --> 00:14:20,220
720
00:14:20,220 --> 00:14:24,060
He was off by two orders of magnitude.
721
00:14:24,060 --> 00:14:24,260
764 scientists would end up
722
00:14:24,260 --> 00:14:26,160
764 scientists would end up
723
00:14:26,160 --> 00:14:26,700
working for the Manhattan Project.
724
00:14:26,700 --> 00:14:27,810
working for the Manhattan Project.
725
00:14:27,810 --> 00:14:29,279
302 of which would work
at the Los Alamos site.
726
00:14:29,279 --> 00:14:31,023
302 of which would work
at the Los Alamos site.
727
00:14:31,023 --> 00:14:32,839
728
00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:33,270
729
00:14:33,270 --> 00:14:36,300
Over 600,000 people in total were involved
730
00:14:36,300 --> 00:14:36,870
Over 600,000 people in total were involved
731
00:14:36,870 --> 00:14:38,160
with the making of the atomic bomb.
732
00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:38,620
with the making of the atomic bomb.
733
00:14:38,620 --> 00:14:40,019
734
00:14:40,019 --> 00:14:40,110
735
00:14:40,110 --> 00:14:41,940
By this point, making the atom
bomb didn't seem impossible.
736
00:14:41,940 --> 00:14:43,440
By this point, making the atom
bomb didn't seem impossible.
737
00:14:43,440 --> 00:14:45,183
It seemed likely.
738
00:14:45,183 --> 00:14:47,000
739
00:14:47,639 --> 00:14:47,760
740
00:14:47,760 --> 00:14:49,890
On the 2nd of December, 1942,
741
00:14:49,890 --> 00:14:50,639
a team of physicists at
the University of Chicago
742
00:14:50,639 --> 00:14:52,079
a team of physicists at
the University of Chicago
743
00:14:52,079 --> 00:14:52,350
a team of physicists at
the University of Chicago
744
00:14:52,350 --> 00:14:55,230
led by Enrico Fermi created the world's
745
00:14:55,230 --> 00:14:55,380
first artificial nuclear reactor Pile-1.
746
00:14:55,380 --> 00:14:58,019
first artificial nuclear reactor Pile-1.
747
00:14:58,019 --> 00:14:58,680
first artificial nuclear reactor Pile-1.
748
00:14:58,680 --> 00:15:01,199
It consisted of 45 tons of
uranium and uranium oxide
749
00:15:01,199 --> 00:15:02,580
It consisted of 45 tons of
uranium and uranium oxide
750
00:15:02,580 --> 00:15:04,260
and 330 tons of graphite blocks.
751
00:15:04,260 --> 00:15:05,425
and 330 tons of graphite blocks.
752
00:15:05,425 --> 00:15:06,870
Horrifyingly enough.
753
00:15:06,870 --> 00:15:07,260
It was located under the
stands of the football field.
754
00:15:07,260 --> 00:15:09,720
It was located under the
stands of the football field.
755
00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:10,740
It was located under the
stands of the football field.
756
00:15:10,740 --> 00:15:13,079
It generated about half a watt of power,
757
00:15:13,079 --> 00:15:14,699
It generated about half a watt of power,
758
00:15:14,699 --> 00:15:14,820
It generated about half a watt of power,
759
00:15:14,820 --> 00:15:16,560
and if you can make a nuclear power plant,
760
00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:16,785
and if you can make a nuclear power plant,
761
00:15:16,785 --> 00:15:18,630
you can make a bomb.
762
00:15:18,630 --> 00:15:19,380
The only real difference between the two
763
00:15:19,380 --> 00:15:20,460
The only real difference between the two
764
00:15:20,460 --> 00:15:21,060
is how many neutrons hit the next atom,
765
00:15:21,060 --> 00:15:22,500
is how many neutrons hit the next atom,
766
00:15:22,500 --> 00:15:23,279
causing it to split and
release more neutrons.
767
00:15:23,279 --> 00:15:25,590
causing it to split and
release more neutrons.
768
00:15:25,590 --> 00:15:26,160
If on average that number is one,
769
00:15:26,160 --> 00:15:27,690
If on average that number is one,
770
00:15:27,690 --> 00:15:28,199
there will be a stable
self-sustaining chain reaction,
771
00:15:28,199 --> 00:15:30,300
there will be a stable
self-sustaining chain reaction,
772
00:15:30,300 --> 00:15:30,570
there will be a stable
self-sustaining chain reaction,
773
00:15:30,570 --> 00:15:31,648
but it won't grow.
774
00:15:31,648 --> 00:15:33,240
If it's less than one,
775
00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:33,390
If it's less than one,
776
00:15:33,390 --> 00:15:35,340
the reaction will die down,
777
00:15:35,340 --> 00:15:35,820
and if it's more than one,
778
00:15:35,820 --> 00:15:36,450
and if it's more than one,
779
00:15:36,450 --> 00:15:37,760
the reaction will grow.
780
00:15:37,760 --> 00:15:37,997
the reaction will grow.
781
00:15:37,997 --> 00:15:40,440
This is known as the
multiplication factor, K.
782
00:15:40,440 --> 00:15:42,090
This is known as the
multiplication factor, K.
783
00:15:42,090 --> 00:15:43,860
Nuclear reactions are similar
to pandemics in this way.
784
00:15:43,860 --> 00:15:45,453
Nuclear reactions are similar
to pandemics in this way.
785
00:15:45,453 --> 00:15:47,240
786
00:15:48,180 --> 00:15:48,210
787
00:15:48,210 --> 00:15:50,160
The simplest way to make a nuclear bomb
788
00:15:50,160 --> 00:15:50,250
The simplest way to make a nuclear bomb
789
00:15:50,250 --> 00:15:52,740
is to get enough fissile
material close together
790
00:15:52,740 --> 00:15:53,310
is to get enough fissile
material close together
791
00:15:53,310 --> 00:15:54,959
that it creates a runaway chain reaction.
792
00:15:54,959 --> 00:15:55,980
that it creates a runaway chain reaction.
793
00:15:55,980 --> 00:15:57,720
That amount is known as the critical mass.
794
00:15:57,720 --> 00:15:58,770
That amount is known as the critical mass.
795
00:15:58,770 --> 00:16:00,120
With uranium-235,
796
00:16:00,120 --> 00:16:00,600
you need about 52 kilograms.
797
00:16:00,600 --> 00:16:02,700
you need about 52 kilograms.
798
00:16:02,700 --> 00:16:04,139
Forming a sphere with a
diameter of 17 centimeters.
799
00:16:04,139 --> 00:16:06,230
Forming a sphere with a
diameter of 17 centimeters.
800
00:16:06,230 --> 00:16:06,600
If you use plutonium-239,
801
00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:08,700
If you use plutonium-239,
802
00:16:08,700 --> 00:16:09,180
the critical mass is much smaller,
803
00:16:09,180 --> 00:16:10,260
the critical mass is much smaller,
804
00:16:10,260 --> 00:16:11,220
only around 10 kilograms,
805
00:16:11,220 --> 00:16:12,120
only around 10 kilograms,
806
00:16:12,120 --> 00:16:13,380
which would create a sphere
only 10 centimeters wide.
807
00:16:13,380 --> 00:16:16,139
which would create a sphere
only 10 centimeters wide.
808
00:16:16,139 --> 00:16:16,170
which would create a sphere
only 10 centimeters wide.
809
00:16:16,170 --> 00:16:17,370
For the first few years,
810
00:16:17,370 --> 00:16:18,180
the scientists worked on a
bomb with a gun type design.
811
00:16:18,180 --> 00:16:20,600
the scientists worked on a
bomb with a gun type design.
812
00:16:20,600 --> 00:16:20,790
the scientists worked on a
bomb with a gun type design.
813
00:16:20,790 --> 00:16:22,590
Inside a gun type bomb,
814
00:16:22,590 --> 00:16:23,339
you have two slabs of uranium-235,
815
00:16:23,339 --> 00:16:24,800
you have two slabs of uranium-235,
816
00:16:24,800 --> 00:16:25,920
both of which are below the critical mass.
817
00:16:25,920 --> 00:16:27,600
both of which are below the critical mass.
818
00:16:27,600 --> 00:16:27,720
both of which are below the critical mass.
819
00:16:27,720 --> 00:16:30,300
Then using a conventional
explosive like cordite,
820
00:16:30,300 --> 00:16:31,320
Then using a conventional
explosive like cordite,
821
00:16:31,320 --> 00:16:34,139
you rapidly fire one towards the other.
822
00:16:34,139 --> 00:16:34,620
you rapidly fire one towards the other.
823
00:16:34,620 --> 00:16:36,660
So the combined mass is
higher than the critical mass.
824
00:16:36,660 --> 00:16:38,279
So the combined mass is
higher than the critical mass.
825
00:16:38,279 --> 00:16:38,430
So the combined mass is
higher than the critical mass.
826
00:16:38,430 --> 00:16:40,440
When the uranium bullet is
about 25 centimeters away,
827
00:16:40,440 --> 00:16:41,850
When the uranium bullet is
about 25 centimeters away,
828
00:16:41,850 --> 00:16:42,839
the nuclear chain reaction begins
829
00:16:42,839 --> 00:16:44,280
the nuclear chain reaction begins
830
00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:46,199
resulting in an atomic explosion.
831
00:16:46,199 --> 00:16:47,519
resulting in an atomic explosion.
832
00:16:47,519 --> 00:16:47,610
resulting in an atomic explosion.
833
00:16:47,610 --> 00:16:49,290
Despite the simple design,
834
00:16:49,290 --> 00:16:50,639
it is not very efficient.
835
00:16:50,639 --> 00:16:51,180
it is not very efficient.
836
00:16:51,180 --> 00:16:52,560
Only a small percentage of
the uranium undergoes fission,
837
00:16:52,560 --> 00:16:53,818
Only a small percentage of
the uranium undergoes fission,
838
00:16:53,818 --> 00:16:54,839
so the total yield of
the bomb is much smaller.
839
00:16:54,839 --> 00:16:57,210
so the total yield of
the bomb is much smaller.
840
00:16:57,210 --> 00:16:57,600
You also run into some
unexpected problems,
841
00:16:57,600 --> 00:17:00,000
You also run into some
unexpected problems,
842
00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:00,090
You also run into some
unexpected problems,
843
00:17:00,090 --> 00:17:01,920
like how do you make sure the uranium
844
00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:02,040
slides smoothly through the barrel?
845
00:17:02,040 --> 00:17:04,185
slides smoothly through the barrel?
846
00:17:04,185 --> 00:17:05,099
Well, you use oil to lubricate the barrel,
847
00:17:05,099 --> 00:17:08,190
Well, you use oil to lubricate the barrel,
848
00:17:08,190 --> 00:17:08,459
but all the synthetic
oils the scientists tried
849
00:17:08,459 --> 00:17:10,199
but all the synthetic
oils the scientists tried
850
00:17:10,199 --> 00:17:10,650
but all the synthetic
oils the scientists tried
851
00:17:10,650 --> 00:17:12,119
would dry up.
852
00:17:12,119 --> 00:17:12,959
In the end,
853
00:17:12,959 --> 00:17:12,960
854
00:17:12,960 --> 00:17:13,859
the only oil they could
find that would work
855
00:17:13,859 --> 00:17:15,720
the only oil they could
find that would work
856
00:17:15,720 --> 00:17:16,020
was the oil from sperm whales.
857
00:17:16,020 --> 00:17:18,393
was the oil from sperm whales.
858
00:17:18,393 --> 00:17:20,000
859
00:17:20,280 --> 00:17:20,400
860
00:17:20,400 --> 00:17:22,919
Only about 0.7% of naturally
occurring uranium is U235,
861
00:17:22,919 --> 00:17:25,400
Only about 0.7% of naturally
occurring uranium is U235,
862
00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:25,619
863
00:17:25,619 --> 00:17:26,459
the fissile fuel for nuclear bombs.
864
00:17:26,459 --> 00:17:28,439
the fissile fuel for nuclear bombs.
865
00:17:28,439 --> 00:17:28,440
866
00:17:28,440 --> 00:17:29,640
When U235 absorbs a neutron,
867
00:17:29,640 --> 00:17:31,050
When U235 absorbs a neutron,
868
00:17:31,050 --> 00:17:32,360
it briefly becomes U236,
869
00:17:32,360 --> 00:17:33,540
it briefly becomes U236,
870
00:17:33,540 --> 00:17:36,000
and then it rips itself roughly in half
871
00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:36,300
and then it rips itself roughly in half
872
00:17:36,300 --> 00:17:38,820
and releases on average
2.4 neutrons per fission.
873
00:17:38,820 --> 00:17:40,560
and releases on average
2.4 neutrons per fission.
874
00:17:40,560 --> 00:17:41,220
But when you get uranium outta the ground,
875
00:17:41,220 --> 00:17:42,480
But when you get uranium outta the ground,
876
00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:43,559
most of it is U238,
877
00:17:43,559 --> 00:17:44,490
most of it is U238,
878
00:17:44,490 --> 00:17:46,830
which doesn't undergo fission.
879
00:17:46,830 --> 00:17:47,100
So to make a nuclear bomb,
880
00:17:47,100 --> 00:17:48,060
So to make a nuclear bomb,
881
00:17:48,060 --> 00:17:48,900
the scientists use
gigantic mass spectrometers
882
00:17:48,900 --> 00:17:51,028
the scientists use
gigantic mass spectrometers
883
00:17:51,028 --> 00:17:51,720
to separate out and concentrate the U235,
884
00:17:51,720 --> 00:17:54,539
to separate out and concentrate the U235,
885
00:17:54,539 --> 00:17:55,200
to separate out and concentrate the U235,
886
00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:57,960
and the resulting substance was uranium
887
00:17:57,960 --> 00:17:58,020
with a much higher concentration of U235.
888
00:17:58,020 --> 00:18:00,059
with a much higher concentration of U235.
889
00:18:00,059 --> 00:18:01,290
with a much higher concentration of U235.
890
00:18:01,290 --> 00:18:04,200
In other words, it was enriched.
891
00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:04,320
In other words, it was enriched.
892
00:18:04,320 --> 00:18:06,660
There was another option though.
893
00:18:06,660 --> 00:18:06,810
There was another option though.
894
00:18:06,810 --> 00:18:08,490
In early 1941,
895
00:18:08,490 --> 00:18:09,660
a new element was discovered
or rather synthesized.
896
00:18:09,660 --> 00:18:12,180
a new element was discovered
or rather synthesized.
897
00:18:12,180 --> 00:18:12,600
When a neutron is absorbed
by a nucleus of uranium-238,
898
00:18:12,600 --> 00:18:14,340
When a neutron is absorbed
by a nucleus of uranium-238,
899
00:18:14,340 --> 00:18:15,570
When a neutron is absorbed
by a nucleus of uranium-238,
900
00:18:15,570 --> 00:18:18,257
it turns into uranium-239.
901
00:18:18,257 --> 00:18:18,320
U239 is unstable,
902
00:18:18,320 --> 00:18:20,580
U239 is unstable,
903
00:18:20,580 --> 00:18:21,660
so it decays into Neptunium,
904
00:18:21,660 --> 00:18:22,620
so it decays into Neptunium,
905
00:18:22,620 --> 00:18:24,573
which then becomes plutonium.
906
00:18:24,573 --> 00:18:25,559
907
00:18:25,559 --> 00:18:25,710
908
00:18:25,710 --> 00:18:27,600
There are three things
that matter for this story.
909
00:18:27,600 --> 00:18:28,230
There are three things
that matter for this story.
910
00:18:28,230 --> 00:18:30,022
First is that plutonium-239
911
00:18:30,022 --> 00:18:30,240
is a great fuel for a nuclear bomb.
912
00:18:30,240 --> 00:18:32,430
is a great fuel for a nuclear bomb.
913
00:18:32,430 --> 00:18:32,700
It has a critical mass of
only about 10 kilograms.
914
00:18:32,700 --> 00:18:34,440
It has a critical mass of
only about 10 kilograms.
915
00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:35,490
It has a critical mass of
only about 10 kilograms.
916
00:18:35,490 --> 00:18:37,140
Second, it is cheaper to make
than to separate uranium-235
917
00:18:37,140 --> 00:18:39,492
Second, it is cheaper to make
than to separate uranium-235
918
00:18:39,492 --> 00:18:40,440
and third, it reacts too quickly
919
00:18:40,440 --> 00:18:42,060
and third, it reacts too quickly
920
00:18:42,060 --> 00:18:42,960
to be used in a gun type device.
921
00:18:42,960 --> 00:18:44,040
to be used in a gun type device.
922
00:18:44,040 --> 00:18:44,873
It would fizzle,
923
00:18:44,873 --> 00:18:45,120
meaning only a tiny fraction of the fuel
924
00:18:45,120 --> 00:18:46,950
meaning only a tiny fraction of the fuel
925
00:18:46,950 --> 00:18:47,280
would undergo fission.
926
00:18:47,280 --> 00:18:48,960
would undergo fission.
927
00:18:48,960 --> 00:18:49,050
would undergo fission.
928
00:18:49,050 --> 00:18:51,120
But there is a way to make
a bomb using plutonium.
929
00:18:51,120 --> 00:18:51,831
But there is a way to make
a bomb using plutonium.
930
00:18:51,831 --> 00:18:53,520
Critical mass changes
depending on the density
931
00:18:53,520 --> 00:18:54,780
Critical mass changes
depending on the density
932
00:18:54,780 --> 00:18:55,500
of the material.
933
00:18:55,500 --> 00:18:56,100
of the material.
934
00:18:56,100 --> 00:18:57,745
Under normal pressure conditions,
935
00:18:57,745 --> 00:18:58,440
six kilograms of
plutonium-239 won't explode.
936
00:18:58,440 --> 00:19:01,559
six kilograms of
plutonium-239 won't explode.
937
00:19:01,559 --> 00:19:02,010
six kilograms of
plutonium-239 won't explode.
938
00:19:02,010 --> 00:19:03,990
But if you compress it,
939
00:19:03,990 --> 00:19:05,100
the atoms get closer together
and the chance of a stay
940
00:19:05,100 --> 00:19:07,080
the atoms get closer together
and the chance of a stay
941
00:19:07,080 --> 00:19:07,200
the atoms get closer together
and the chance of a stay
942
00:19:07,200 --> 00:19:08,580
neutron hitting the nucleus increases.
943
00:19:08,580 --> 00:19:09,840
neutron hitting the nucleus increases.
944
00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:12,120
So the higher the density,
the lower the critical mass.
945
00:19:12,120 --> 00:19:13,662
So the higher the density,
the lower the critical mass.
946
00:19:13,662 --> 00:19:13,980
So if you set off conventional explosives
947
00:19:13,980 --> 00:19:15,900
So if you set off conventional explosives
948
00:19:15,900 --> 00:19:16,800
So if you set off conventional explosives
949
00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:18,600
around a ball of plutonium,
950
00:19:18,600 --> 00:19:18,810
around a ball of plutonium,
951
00:19:18,810 --> 00:19:20,340
you can get it compressed enough
952
00:19:20,340 --> 00:19:20,760
to start a nuclear chain reaction.
953
00:19:20,760 --> 00:19:22,763
to start a nuclear chain reaction.
954
00:19:22,763 --> 00:19:24,179
And this was the whole idea behind
955
00:19:24,179 --> 00:19:25,047
And this was the whole idea behind
956
00:19:25,047 --> 00:19:26,280
the implosion bomb design.
957
00:19:26,280 --> 00:19:27,153
the implosion bomb design.
958
00:19:27,153 --> 00:19:28,880
959
00:19:29,520 --> 00:19:29,730
960
00:19:29,730 --> 00:19:31,500
There are a couple ways to cheat
lowering the critical mass.
961
00:19:31,500 --> 00:19:33,180
There are a couple ways to cheat
lowering the critical mass.
962
00:19:33,180 --> 00:19:33,900
For one thing,
963
00:19:33,900 --> 00:19:34,050
For one thing,
964
00:19:34,050 --> 00:19:35,880
you surround the sphere with
a material that reflects
965
00:19:35,880 --> 00:19:36,390
you surround the sphere with
a material that reflects
966
00:19:36,390 --> 00:19:37,860
neutrons decreasing the
amount of nuclear fuel
967
00:19:37,860 --> 00:19:38,850
neutrons decreasing the
amount of nuclear fuel
968
00:19:38,850 --> 00:19:39,539
you need to start a chain reaction.
969
00:19:39,539 --> 00:19:41,040
you need to start a chain reaction.
970
00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:42,419
You can also have a neutron source,
971
00:19:42,419 --> 00:19:43,260
You can also have a neutron source,
972
00:19:43,260 --> 00:19:43,860
something that kick
starts the chain reaction.
973
00:19:43,860 --> 00:19:45,601
something that kick
starts the chain reaction.
974
00:19:45,601 --> 00:19:46,740
For the first implosion bomb,
975
00:19:46,740 --> 00:19:48,240
For the first implosion bomb,
976
00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:49,200
scientists created a
device called the urchin,
977
00:19:49,200 --> 00:19:50,970
scientists created a
device called the urchin,
978
00:19:50,970 --> 00:19:51,780
which was a tiny pellet
weighing just seven grams,
979
00:19:51,780 --> 00:19:54,360
which was a tiny pellet
weighing just seven grams,
980
00:19:54,360 --> 00:19:54,660
which was a tiny pellet
weighing just seven grams,
981
00:19:54,660 --> 00:19:56,640
and it would sit at the heart of the bomb.
982
00:19:56,640 --> 00:19:57,240
and it would sit at the heart of the bomb.
983
00:19:57,240 --> 00:19:59,160
It was made of beryllium and polonium
984
00:19:59,160 --> 00:19:59,940
It was made of beryllium and polonium
985
00:19:59,940 --> 00:20:01,799
separated by a layer of nickel and gold.
986
00:20:01,799 --> 00:20:02,850
separated by a layer of nickel and gold.
987
00:20:02,850 --> 00:20:04,440
The idea was that when
the explosives detonated,
988
00:20:04,440 --> 00:20:05,760
The idea was that when
the explosives detonated,
989
00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:06,660
the shockwave would mix the
beryllium and polonium together,
990
00:20:06,660 --> 00:20:08,520
the shockwave would mix the
beryllium and polonium together,
991
00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:09,330
the shockwave would mix the
beryllium and polonium together,
992
00:20:09,330 --> 00:20:10,559
and then the alpha particles from polonium
993
00:20:10,559 --> 00:20:11,550
and then the alpha particles from polonium
994
00:20:11,550 --> 00:20:12,660
would cause the beryllium to
release a flood of neutrons,
995
00:20:12,660 --> 00:20:15,330
would cause the beryllium to
release a flood of neutrons,
996
00:20:15,330 --> 00:20:15,660
which would set off the
nuclear chain reaction.
997
00:20:15,660 --> 00:20:18,123
which would set off the
nuclear chain reaction.
998
00:20:18,123 --> 00:20:19,200
999
00:20:19,200 --> 00:20:19,380
1000
00:20:19,380 --> 00:20:21,150
At least that was the hope.
1001
00:20:21,150 --> 00:20:21,840
An atomic bomb had never been made before.
1002
00:20:21,840 --> 00:20:23,213
An atomic bomb had never been made before.
1003
00:20:23,213 --> 00:20:23,539
Oppenheimer and the rest of
the scientists at Los Alamos
1004
00:20:23,539 --> 00:20:25,260
Oppenheimer and the rest of
the scientists at Los Alamos
1005
00:20:25,260 --> 00:20:26,460
Oppenheimer and the rest of
the scientists at Los Alamos
1006
00:20:26,460 --> 00:20:27,360
needed to act quickly.
1007
00:20:27,360 --> 00:20:27,990
needed to act quickly.
1008
00:20:27,990 --> 00:20:29,910
It was already 1945,
1009
00:20:29,910 --> 00:20:30,900
and Truman wanted to test the weapon
1010
00:20:30,900 --> 00:20:32,130
and Truman wanted to test the weapon
1011
00:20:32,130 --> 00:20:32,700
before the start of
the Potsdam conference.
1012
00:20:32,700 --> 00:20:34,800
before the start of
the Potsdam conference.
1013
00:20:34,800 --> 00:20:35,160
That's where Truman, Churchill,
1014
00:20:35,160 --> 00:20:36,510
That's where Truman, Churchill,
1015
00:20:36,510 --> 00:20:37,380
and Stalin would come together
to plan the post-war piece.
1016
00:20:37,380 --> 00:20:39,780
and Stalin would come together
to plan the post-war piece.
1017
00:20:39,780 --> 00:20:40,170
and Stalin would come together
to plan the post-war piece.
1018
00:20:40,170 --> 00:20:43,620
The conference began on the 17th of July.
1019
00:20:43,620 --> 00:20:43,740
The conference began on the 17th of July.
1020
00:20:43,740 --> 00:20:45,900
The earliest date that
everything could be ready
1021
00:20:45,900 --> 00:20:46,140
The earliest date that
everything could be ready
1022
00:20:46,140 --> 00:20:48,240
for the bomb was just one day earlier.
1023
00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:49,200
for the bomb was just one day earlier.
1024
00:20:49,200 --> 00:20:51,539
So that is when the test was scheduled.
1025
00:20:51,539 --> 00:20:52,560
So that is when the test was scheduled.
1026
00:20:52,560 --> 00:20:54,333
It was Codenamed Trinity.
1027
00:20:54,333 --> 00:20:56,179
1028
00:20:57,660 --> 00:20:57,780
1029
00:20:57,780 --> 00:21:00,419
The night before Oppenheimer was nervous.
1030
00:21:00,419 --> 00:21:00,870
The night before Oppenheimer was nervous.
1031
00:21:00,870 --> 00:21:02,880
There were so many things
that could go wrong.
1032
00:21:02,880 --> 00:21:03,630
There were so many things
that could go wrong.
1033
00:21:03,630 --> 00:21:05,520
The last test firing of the explosives
1034
00:21:05,520 --> 00:21:06,210
The last test firing of the explosives
1035
00:21:06,210 --> 00:21:07,860
without the actual plutonium
core was a failure.
1036
00:21:07,860 --> 00:21:10,559
without the actual plutonium
core was a failure.
1037
00:21:10,559 --> 00:21:10,650
without the actual plutonium
core was a failure.
1038
00:21:10,650 --> 00:21:11,850
To calm himself,
1039
00:21:11,850 --> 00:21:13,380
he recited a stanza
from the Bhagavad Gita,
1040
00:21:13,380 --> 00:21:14,790
he recited a stanza
from the Bhagavad Gita,
1041
00:21:14,790 --> 00:21:16,320
the sacred Hindu poem.
1042
00:21:16,320 --> 00:21:16,830
the sacred Hindu poem.
1043
00:21:16,830 --> 00:21:19,020
He had actually translated
the Gita from the original
1044
00:21:19,020 --> 00:21:19,440
He had actually translated
the Gita from the original
1045
00:21:19,440 --> 00:21:21,338
Sanskrit in himself.
1046
00:21:21,338 --> 00:21:21,600
In battle, in forest,
1047
00:21:21,600 --> 00:21:23,670
In battle, in forest,
1048
00:21:23,670 --> 00:21:24,840
at the precipice in the mountains,
1049
00:21:24,840 --> 00:21:25,409
at the precipice in the mountains,
1050
00:21:25,409 --> 00:21:28,260
on the dark great sea,
1051
00:21:28,260 --> 00:21:28,440
on the dark great sea,
1052
00:21:28,440 --> 00:21:29,940
in the midst of javelins
1053
00:21:29,940 --> 00:21:31,500
and arrows in sleep,
1054
00:21:31,500 --> 00:21:31,950
and arrows in sleep,
1055
00:21:31,950 --> 00:21:34,200
in confusion, in the depths of shame,
1056
00:21:34,200 --> 00:21:34,902
in confusion, in the depths of shame,
1057
00:21:34,902 --> 00:21:35,340
the good deeds a man has
done before defend him.
1058
00:21:35,340 --> 00:21:37,940
the good deeds a man has
done before defend him.
1059
00:21:37,940 --> 00:21:39,393
the good deeds a man has
done before defend him.
1060
00:21:39,393 --> 00:21:41,100
1061
00:21:41,100 --> 00:21:41,220
1062
00:21:41,220 --> 00:21:43,440
Perhaps more terrifying
than the idea of the bomb
1063
00:21:43,440 --> 00:21:43,770
Perhaps more terrifying
than the idea of the bomb
1064
00:21:43,770 --> 00:21:46,080
not working was that
it would work too well.
1065
00:21:46,080 --> 00:21:47,223
not working was that
it would work too well.
1066
00:21:47,223 --> 00:21:49,159
1067
00:21:50,159 --> 00:21:50,340
1068
00:21:50,340 --> 00:21:53,580
Around 1942, Oppenheimer
discussed with Arthur Compton
1069
00:21:53,580 --> 00:21:54,313
Around 1942, Oppenheimer
discussed with Arthur Compton
1070
00:21:54,313 --> 00:21:56,220
a terrible possibility that a nuclear test
1071
00:21:56,220 --> 00:21:58,230
a terrible possibility that a nuclear test
1072
00:21:58,230 --> 00:21:59,766
could end the world.
1073
00:21:59,766 --> 00:22:00,120
The worry was that the nuclear bomb
1074
00:22:00,120 --> 00:22:02,010
The worry was that the nuclear bomb
1075
00:22:02,010 --> 00:22:02,100
would create temperatures so
hot that fusion would occur.
1076
00:22:02,100 --> 00:22:05,280
would create temperatures so
hot that fusion would occur.
1077
00:22:05,280 --> 00:22:06,423
would create temperatures so
hot that fusion would occur.
1078
00:22:06,423 --> 00:22:08,159
1079
00:22:08,159 --> 00:22:08,310
1080
00:22:08,310 --> 00:22:10,260
A tiny fraction of the atmosphere,
1081
00:22:10,260 --> 00:22:10,740
just one part in 2
million is hydrogen gas.
1082
00:22:10,740 --> 00:22:14,400
just one part in 2
million is hydrogen gas.
1083
00:22:14,400 --> 00:22:14,520
just one part in 2
million is hydrogen gas.
1084
00:22:14,520 --> 00:22:16,020
But the worry was that at
high enough temperatures
1085
00:22:16,020 --> 00:22:16,650
But the worry was that at
high enough temperatures
1086
00:22:16,650 --> 00:22:18,659
and pressures that hydrogen
could fuse to together
1087
00:22:18,659 --> 00:22:20,040
and pressures that hydrogen
could fuse to together
1088
00:22:20,040 --> 00:22:21,080
releasing energy,
1089
00:22:21,080 --> 00:22:21,660
releasing energy,
1090
00:22:21,660 --> 00:22:23,952
this energy would fuse more hydrogen.
1091
00:22:23,952 --> 00:22:24,600
It could also break apart the hydrogen
1092
00:22:24,600 --> 00:22:26,490
It could also break apart the hydrogen
1093
00:22:26,490 --> 00:22:26,940
from water vapor causing
that to fuse as well.
1094
00:22:26,940 --> 00:22:29,760
from water vapor causing
that to fuse as well.
1095
00:22:29,760 --> 00:22:30,120
from water vapor causing
that to fuse as well.
1096
00:22:30,120 --> 00:22:31,740
That would release even more energy
1097
00:22:31,740 --> 00:22:31,890
That would release even more energy
1098
00:22:31,890 --> 00:22:34,740
causing yet more fusion until the entirety
1099
00:22:34,740 --> 00:22:35,250
causing yet more fusion until the entirety
1100
00:22:35,250 --> 00:22:37,080
of the Earth's atmosphere would
become a giant fusion bomb.
1101
00:22:37,080 --> 00:22:40,020
of the Earth's atmosphere would
become a giant fusion bomb.
1102
00:22:40,020 --> 00:22:40,140
of the Earth's atmosphere would
become a giant fusion bomb.
1103
00:22:40,140 --> 00:22:41,820
Recalling his conversations
with Oppenheimer in 1959,
1104
00:22:41,820 --> 00:22:43,680
Recalling his conversations
with Oppenheimer in 1959,
1105
00:22:43,680 --> 00:22:45,539
Compton said, "Nor was this
all that Oppenheimer feared.
1106
00:22:45,539 --> 00:22:47,146
Compton said, "Nor was this
all that Oppenheimer feared.
1107
00:22:47,146 --> 00:22:47,820
The nitrogen in the air is also unstable,
1108
00:22:47,820 --> 00:22:50,280
The nitrogen in the air is also unstable,
1109
00:22:50,280 --> 00:22:50,520
The nitrogen in the air is also unstable,
1110
00:22:50,520 --> 00:22:51,975
though in less degree.
1111
00:22:51,975 --> 00:22:53,700
Might not it, too, be set off by an
1112
00:22:53,700 --> 00:22:54,930
Might not it, too, be set off by an
1113
00:22:54,930 --> 00:22:56,400
atomic explosion in the atmosphere."
1114
00:22:56,400 --> 00:22:57,539
atomic explosion in the atmosphere."
1115
00:22:57,539 --> 00:22:57,690
atomic explosion in the atmosphere."
1116
00:22:57,690 --> 00:22:59,640
Most of the scientists quickly realized
1117
00:22:59,640 --> 00:22:59,700
how unlikely this scenario was,
1118
00:22:59,700 --> 00:23:01,530
how unlikely this scenario was,
1119
00:23:01,530 --> 00:23:02,039
and they continued on with the project,
1120
00:23:02,039 --> 00:23:03,630
and they continued on with the project,
1121
00:23:03,630 --> 00:23:04,320
so no one took the idea too seriously.
1122
00:23:04,320 --> 00:23:06,390
so no one took the idea too seriously.
1123
00:23:06,390 --> 00:23:06,900
But the thought of starting a
fusion reaction with a fission
1124
00:23:06,900 --> 00:23:09,059
But the thought of starting a
fusion reaction with a fission
1125
00:23:09,059 --> 00:23:09,810
But the thought of starting a
fusion reaction with a fission
1126
00:23:09,810 --> 00:23:11,820
weapon would become very
important after the war.
1127
00:23:11,820 --> 00:23:13,391
weapon would become very
important after the war.
1128
00:23:13,391 --> 00:23:15,200
(dramatic music)
1129
00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:16,141
(dramatic music)
1130
00:23:16,919 --> 00:23:17,130
1131
00:23:17,130 --> 00:23:20,108
The Trinity test was scheduled for 4:00 AM
1132
00:23:20,108 --> 00:23:20,400
but it was delayed due to a storm.
1133
00:23:20,400 --> 00:23:23,070
but it was delayed due to a storm.
1134
00:23:23,070 --> 00:23:23,760
So at 5:29 and 21 seconds, the gadget,
1135
00:23:23,760 --> 00:23:27,060
So at 5:29 and 21 seconds, the gadget,
1136
00:23:27,060 --> 00:23:27,419
the world's first nuclear bomb detonated,
1137
00:23:27,419 --> 00:23:30,539
the world's first nuclear bomb detonated,
1138
00:23:30,539 --> 00:23:30,630
the world's first nuclear bomb detonated,
1139
00:23:30,630 --> 00:23:33,059
the high explosive squeezed
the core of plutonium inwards.
1140
00:23:33,059 --> 00:23:34,504
the high explosive squeezed
the core of plutonium inwards.
1141
00:23:34,504 --> 00:23:36,059
The shockwave mixed the
beryllium and polonium
1142
00:23:36,059 --> 00:23:37,230
The shockwave mixed the
beryllium and polonium
1143
00:23:37,230 --> 00:23:38,159
releasing a flood of neutrons.
1144
00:23:38,159 --> 00:23:40,080
releasing a flood of neutrons.
1145
00:23:40,080 --> 00:23:41,760
The urchin worked.
1146
00:23:41,760 --> 00:23:42,120
It jump started the nuclear reaction,
1147
00:23:42,120 --> 00:23:44,100
It jump started the nuclear reaction,
1148
00:23:44,100 --> 00:23:44,520
and now there was no way to stop it.
1149
00:23:44,520 --> 00:23:46,563
and now there was no way to stop it.
1150
00:23:46,563 --> 00:23:47,460
1151
00:23:47,460 --> 00:23:47,580
1152
00:23:47,580 --> 00:23:50,520
Just six kilograms of
plutonium created an explosion
1153
00:23:50,520 --> 00:23:51,090
Just six kilograms of
plutonium created an explosion
1154
00:23:51,090 --> 00:23:52,080
that was equivalent to
nearly 25,000 tons of TNT.
1155
00:23:52,080 --> 00:23:53,880
that was equivalent to
nearly 25,000 tons of TNT.
1156
00:23:53,880 --> 00:23:55,860
that was equivalent to
nearly 25,000 tons of TNT.
1157
00:23:55,860 --> 00:23:57,059
The New Mexico mountains were illuminated
1158
00:23:57,059 --> 00:23:57,750
The New Mexico mountains were illuminated
1159
00:23:57,750 --> 00:23:58,799
brighter than in daytime.
1160
00:23:58,799 --> 00:23:59,373
brighter than in daytime.
1161
00:23:59,373 --> 00:24:00,000
The shockwave was felt from
over 160 kilometers away.
1162
00:24:00,000 --> 00:24:03,059
The shockwave was felt from
over 160 kilometers away.
1163
00:24:03,059 --> 00:24:04,373
The shockwave was felt from
over 160 kilometers away.
1164
00:24:04,373 --> 00:24:04,679
1165
00:24:04,679 --> 00:24:04,830
1166
00:24:04,830 --> 00:24:07,500
The mushroom cloud rose to
12 kilometers into the sky.
1167
00:24:07,500 --> 00:24:09,120
The mushroom cloud rose to
12 kilometers into the sky.
1168
00:24:09,120 --> 00:24:09,270
The mushroom cloud rose to
12 kilometers into the sky.
1169
00:24:09,270 --> 00:24:11,640
It was so hot that the desert sand melted
1170
00:24:11,640 --> 00:24:12,360
It was so hot that the desert sand melted
1171
00:24:12,360 --> 00:24:14,400
into a glassy mineral,
now known as trinitite.
1172
00:24:14,400 --> 00:24:15,867
into a glassy mineral,
now known as trinitite.
1173
00:24:15,867 --> 00:24:16,080
Fortunately, the blast did not
set fire to the atmosphere.
1174
00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:18,960
Fortunately, the blast did not
set fire to the atmosphere.
1175
00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:20,013
Fortunately, the blast did not
set fire to the atmosphere.
1176
00:24:20,013 --> 00:24:21,799
1177
00:24:24,059 --> 00:24:24,210
1178
00:24:24,210 --> 00:24:25,890
On August 6th, 1945,
1179
00:24:25,890 --> 00:24:27,900
the Boeing B29 Flying
Fortress dropped little boy,
1180
00:24:27,900 --> 00:24:29,970
the Boeing B29 Flying
Fortress dropped little boy,
1181
00:24:29,970 --> 00:24:30,780
a gun type nuclear bomb with 64 kilograms
1182
00:24:30,780 --> 00:24:33,150
a gun type nuclear bomb with 64 kilograms
1183
00:24:33,150 --> 00:24:33,419
of enriched uranium.
1184
00:24:33,419 --> 00:24:34,771
of enriched uranium.
1185
00:24:34,771 --> 00:24:34,980
The nitro cellulose
ignited pushing the slugs
1186
00:24:34,980 --> 00:24:37,320
The nitro cellulose
ignited pushing the slugs
1187
00:24:37,320 --> 00:24:37,650
The nitro cellulose
ignited pushing the slugs
1188
00:24:37,650 --> 00:24:39,260
of uranium-235 together,
1189
00:24:39,260 --> 00:24:39,720
of uranium-235 together,
1190
00:24:39,720 --> 00:24:41,824
tipping it over its critical mass.
1191
00:24:41,824 --> 00:24:42,659
The blast from the explosion equivalent
1192
00:24:42,659 --> 00:24:44,397
The blast from the explosion equivalent
1193
00:24:44,397 --> 00:24:45,240
to 15,000 tons of TNT,
1194
00:24:45,240 --> 00:24:46,440
to 15,000 tons of TNT,
1195
00:24:46,440 --> 00:24:48,060
to 15,000 tons of TNT,
1196
00:24:48,060 --> 00:24:50,159
killed nearly 70,000 people.
1197
00:24:50,159 --> 00:24:51,539
killed nearly 70,000 people.
1198
00:24:51,539 --> 00:24:51,660
killed nearly 70,000 people.
1199
00:24:51,660 --> 00:24:54,720
Another 70,000 would die from
burns and radiation poisoning
1200
00:24:54,720 --> 00:24:55,890
Another 70,000 would die from
burns and radiation poisoning
1201
00:24:55,890 --> 00:24:56,640
in the following months.
1202
00:24:56,640 --> 00:24:57,720
in the following months.
1203
00:24:57,720 --> 00:24:57,870
in the following months.
1204
00:24:57,870 --> 00:24:58,800
Three days later,
1205
00:24:58,800 --> 00:25:00,059
an implosion type bomb, like the gadget,
1206
00:25:00,059 --> 00:25:01,290
an implosion type bomb, like the gadget,
1207
00:25:01,290 --> 00:25:02,266
was dropped on Nagasaki
1208
00:25:02,266 --> 00:25:02,700
killing an estimated 80,000 more people.
1209
00:25:02,700 --> 00:25:05,763
killing an estimated 80,000 more people.
1210
00:25:05,763 --> 00:25:07,080
1211
00:25:07,080 --> 00:25:07,230
1212
00:25:07,230 --> 00:25:11,340
More than 95% of the 225,000 people killed
1213
00:25:11,340 --> 00:25:12,210
More than 95% of the 225,000 people killed
1214
00:25:12,210 --> 00:25:13,080
in the bombings of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki were civilians.
1215
00:25:13,080 --> 00:25:15,679
in the bombings of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki were civilians.
1216
00:25:15,679 --> 00:25:15,781
in the bombings of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki were civilians.
1217
00:25:15,781 --> 00:25:18,513
Most were women and children.
1218
00:25:18,513 --> 00:25:20,179
1219
00:25:20,940 --> 00:25:21,090
1220
00:25:21,090 --> 00:25:24,299
In 1965, recalling the moments
after the Trinity test,
1221
00:25:24,299 --> 00:25:25,500
In 1965, recalling the moments
after the Trinity test,
1222
00:25:25,500 --> 00:25:26,880
Oppenheimer said that he
thought of another verse
1223
00:25:26,880 --> 00:25:28,050
Oppenheimer said that he
thought of another verse
1224
00:25:28,050 --> 00:25:28,860
from the Ghita.
1225
00:25:28,860 --> 00:25:29,520
from the Ghita.
1226
00:25:29,520 --> 00:25:31,877
- He knew the world would not be the same.
1227
00:25:31,877 --> 00:25:33,380
1228
00:25:34,500 --> 00:25:34,557
1229
00:25:34,557 --> 00:25:35,940
Few people laughed,
1230
00:25:35,940 --> 00:25:36,813
Few people laughed,
1231
00:25:36,813 --> 00:25:38,700
1232
00:25:38,700 --> 00:25:38,820
1233
00:25:38,820 --> 00:25:40,083
few people cried.
1234
00:25:40,083 --> 00:25:40,860
1235
00:25:40,860 --> 00:25:41,010
1236
00:25:41,010 --> 00:25:42,573
Most people were silent.
1237
00:25:42,573 --> 00:25:44,600
1238
00:25:45,720 --> 00:25:45,900
1239
00:25:45,900 --> 00:25:47,520
I remembered the line
from the Hindu scripture,
1240
00:25:47,520 --> 00:25:49,800
I remembered the line
from the Hindu scripture,
1241
00:25:49,800 --> 00:25:50,100
the (speaking foreign language).
1242
00:25:50,100 --> 00:25:50,687
the (speaking foreign language).
1243
00:25:50,687 --> 00:25:51,120
1244
00:25:51,120 --> 00:25:54,210
1245
00:25:54,240 --> 00:25:54,513
1246
00:25:54,513 --> 00:25:57,200
The Vishnu is trying
to persuade the prince
1247
00:25:57,200 --> 00:25:57,659
The Vishnu is trying
to persuade the prince
1248
00:25:57,659 --> 00:25:57,900
The Vishnu is trying
to persuade the prince
1249
00:25:57,900 --> 00:25:59,640
1250
00:25:59,640 --> 00:26:00,210
1251
00:26:00,210 --> 00:26:02,100
that he should do his duty
1252
00:26:02,100 --> 00:26:03,917
that he should do his duty
1253
00:26:03,917 --> 00:26:04,260
and to impress him takes on
his multi-armed form and says,
1254
00:26:04,260 --> 00:26:07,020
and to impress him takes on
his multi-armed form and says,
1255
00:26:07,020 --> 00:26:08,917
and to impress him takes on
his multi-armed form and says,
1256
00:26:08,917 --> 00:26:10,620
1257
00:26:10,620 --> 00:26:12,453
1258
00:26:12,453 --> 00:26:12,480
'Now I am become death
the destroyer of worlds.'
1259
00:26:12,480 --> 00:26:14,700
'Now I am become death
the destroyer of worlds.'
1260
00:26:14,700 --> 00:26:16,407
'Now I am become death
the destroyer of worlds.'
1261
00:26:16,407 --> 00:26:18,140
1262
00:26:19,140 --> 00:26:19,260
1263
00:26:19,260 --> 00:26:21,360
I suppose we all thought
that one way or another.
1264
00:26:21,360 --> 00:26:21,753
I suppose we all thought
that one way or another.
1265
00:26:21,753 --> 00:26:23,159
1266
00:26:23,159 --> 00:26:23,370
1267
00:26:23,370 --> 00:26:24,510
- [Derek] After the war,
1268
00:26:24,510 --> 00:26:25,919
Oppenheimer was a national hero.
1269
00:26:25,919 --> 00:26:26,940
Oppenheimer was a national hero.
1270
00:26:26,940 --> 00:26:28,500
His portrait was on the
cover of Time Magazine,
1271
00:26:28,500 --> 00:26:29,460
His portrait was on the
cover of Time Magazine,
1272
00:26:29,460 --> 00:26:30,840
and he became a household name.
1273
00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:31,473
and he became a household name.
1274
00:26:31,473 --> 00:26:32,520
1275
00:26:32,520 --> 00:26:32,670
1276
00:26:32,670 --> 00:26:34,770
In 1947, he became the director
1277
00:26:34,770 --> 00:26:35,220
of the Institute of
Advanced Study at Princeton.
1278
00:26:35,220 --> 00:26:37,080
of the Institute of
Advanced Study at Princeton.
1279
00:26:37,080 --> 00:26:37,530
of the Institute of
Advanced Study at Princeton.
1280
00:26:37,530 --> 00:26:39,060
He also became the chairman
1281
00:26:39,060 --> 00:26:39,539
of the General Advisory Committee,
1282
00:26:39,539 --> 00:26:41,130
of the General Advisory Committee,
1283
00:26:41,130 --> 00:26:41,520
where he became an
advisor on nuclear weapons
1284
00:26:41,520 --> 00:26:43,440
where he became an
advisor on nuclear weapons
1285
00:26:43,440 --> 00:26:43,470
where he became an
advisor on nuclear weapons
1286
00:26:43,470 --> 00:26:45,030
related issues.
1287
00:26:45,030 --> 00:26:46,740
He used his position to
argue for arms control.
1288
00:26:46,740 --> 00:26:48,543
He used his position to
argue for arms control.
1289
00:26:48,543 --> 00:26:50,100
1290
00:26:50,100 --> 00:26:50,179
(dramatic music)
1291
00:26:50,179 --> 00:26:50,419
(dramatic music)
1292
00:26:50,419 --> 00:26:51,060
(dramatic music)
1293
00:26:51,060 --> 00:26:52,770
In August, 1949,
1294
00:26:52,770 --> 00:26:54,419
the Soviet Union tested
their first atomic weapon,
1295
00:26:54,419 --> 00:26:55,773
the Soviet Union tested
their first atomic weapon,
1296
00:26:55,773 --> 00:26:57,679
1297
00:26:59,900 --> 00:27:00,160
1298
00:27:00,160 --> 00:27:02,430
and the US military quickly decided
1299
00:27:02,430 --> 00:27:02,520
that the best course of action
1300
00:27:02,520 --> 00:27:04,110
that the best course of action
1301
00:27:04,110 --> 00:27:04,620
was to develop a more powerful bomb.
1302
00:27:04,620 --> 00:27:06,870
was to develop a more powerful bomb.
1303
00:27:06,870 --> 00:27:07,440
The hydrogen bomb,
1304
00:27:07,440 --> 00:27:08,430
The hydrogen bomb,
1305
00:27:08,430 --> 00:27:10,347
known as "The Super",
1306
00:27:10,347 --> 00:27:10,580
Oppenheimer was against the development
1307
00:27:10,580 --> 00:27:13,320
Oppenheimer was against the development
1308
00:27:13,320 --> 00:27:13,380
Oppenheimer was against the development
1309
00:27:13,380 --> 00:27:15,540
of The Super on ethical grounds
1310
00:27:15,540 --> 00:27:16,200
and the worry that it
would start an arms race.
1311
00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:18,720
and the worry that it
would start an arms race.
1312
00:27:18,720 --> 00:27:18,840
and the worry that it
would start an arms race.
1313
00:27:18,840 --> 00:27:20,940
But Truman's administration
pushed through,
1314
00:27:20,940 --> 00:27:21,480
But Truman's administration
pushed through,
1315
00:27:21,480 --> 00:27:23,580
and three years later, Ivy Mike,
1316
00:27:23,580 --> 00:27:23,640
and three years later, Ivy Mike,
1317
00:27:23,640 --> 00:27:26,279
the first hydrogen bomb was
tested in the Marshall Islands.
1318
00:27:26,279 --> 00:27:27,570
the first hydrogen bomb was
tested in the Marshall Islands.
1319
00:27:27,570 --> 00:27:28,860
It had a yield of 10.4 megatons of TNT.
1320
00:27:28,860 --> 00:27:31,800
It had a yield of 10.4 megatons of TNT.
1321
00:27:31,800 --> 00:27:33,480
That's 400 times more powerful
than the Trinity test.
1322
00:27:33,480 --> 00:27:36,513
That's 400 times more powerful
than the Trinity test.
1323
00:27:36,513 --> 00:27:36,620
1324
00:27:36,620 --> 00:27:39,790
1325
00:27:40,740 --> 00:27:40,919
A hydrogen bomb is actually
three bombs in one,
1326
00:27:40,919 --> 00:27:43,440
A hydrogen bomb is actually
three bombs in one,
1327
00:27:43,440 --> 00:27:44,250
A hydrogen bomb is actually
three bombs in one,
1328
00:27:44,250 --> 00:27:46,080
a conventional bomb, a fission bomb,
1329
00:27:46,080 --> 00:27:46,380
a conventional bomb, a fission bomb,
1330
00:27:46,380 --> 00:27:48,000
and a fusion bomb.
1331
00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:48,120
and a fusion bomb.
1332
00:27:48,120 --> 00:27:50,220
The conventional explosives
trigger a fission reaction,
1333
00:27:50,220 --> 00:27:50,969
The conventional explosives
trigger a fission reaction,
1334
00:27:50,969 --> 00:27:52,620
which increases the
temperature and pressure
1335
00:27:52,620 --> 00:27:53,430
which increases the
temperature and pressure
1336
00:27:53,430 --> 00:27:54,840
enough to fuse deuterium
and tritium together,
1337
00:27:54,840 --> 00:27:56,850
enough to fuse deuterium
and tritium together,
1338
00:27:56,850 --> 00:27:57,480
releasing a huge amount of energy.
1339
00:27:57,480 --> 00:28:00,179
releasing a huge amount of energy.
1340
00:28:00,179 --> 00:28:00,300
releasing a huge amount of energy.
1341
00:28:00,300 --> 00:28:03,480
In 1961, the Soviet Union
tested the Tsar Bomba,
1342
00:28:03,480 --> 00:28:04,350
In 1961, the Soviet Union
tested the Tsar Bomba,
1343
00:28:04,350 --> 00:28:06,600
the most powerful
explosion ever detonated.
1344
00:28:06,600 --> 00:28:07,650
the most powerful
explosion ever detonated.
1345
00:28:07,650 --> 00:28:09,539
It was another five times
more powerful than Ivy Mike
1346
00:28:09,539 --> 00:28:11,250
It was another five times
more powerful than Ivy Mike
1347
00:28:11,250 --> 00:28:12,299
around 2000 times more
powerful than Trinity.
1348
00:28:12,299 --> 00:28:14,039
around 2000 times more
powerful than Trinity.
1349
00:28:14,039 --> 00:28:14,763
around 2000 times more
powerful than Trinity.
1350
00:28:14,763 --> 00:28:16,400
1351
00:28:16,860 --> 00:28:17,040
1352
00:28:17,040 --> 00:28:17,873
This kind of arms race
1353
00:28:17,873 --> 00:28:20,100
was exactly what Oppenheimer had feared,
1354
00:28:20,100 --> 00:28:21,420
was exactly what Oppenheimer had feared,
1355
00:28:21,420 --> 00:28:22,440
in part, due to his opposition
to the hydrogen bomb.
1356
00:28:22,440 --> 00:28:23,760
in part, due to his opposition
to the hydrogen bomb.
1357
00:28:23,760 --> 00:28:24,059
And due to his calls to
avert a nuclear arms race,
1358
00:28:24,059 --> 00:28:26,159
And due to his calls to
avert a nuclear arms race,
1359
00:28:26,159 --> 00:28:26,640
And due to his calls to
avert a nuclear arms race,
1360
00:28:26,640 --> 00:28:28,440
Oppenheimer was essentially put on trial
1361
00:28:28,440 --> 00:28:28,740
Oppenheimer was essentially put on trial
1362
00:28:28,740 --> 00:28:30,419
to revoke his security clearance.
1363
00:28:30,419 --> 00:28:30,810
to revoke his security clearance.
1364
00:28:30,810 --> 00:28:32,400
He had been surveilled
while he was working
1365
00:28:32,400 --> 00:28:32,670
He had been surveilled
while he was working
1366
00:28:32,670 --> 00:28:33,990
for the Manhattan Project,
1367
00:28:33,990 --> 00:28:34,200
but that surveillance
didn't stop after he left.
1368
00:28:34,200 --> 00:28:36,240
but that surveillance
didn't stop after he left.
1369
00:28:36,240 --> 00:28:36,870
but that surveillance
didn't stop after he left.
1370
00:28:36,870 --> 00:28:38,820
Many of the wiretaps were
illegal and warrantless.
1371
00:28:38,820 --> 00:28:40,320
Many of the wiretaps were
illegal and warrantless.
1372
00:28:40,320 --> 00:28:41,159
Oppenheimer was questioned about his ties
1373
00:28:41,159 --> 00:28:42,150
Oppenheimer was questioned about his ties
1374
00:28:42,150 --> 00:28:42,480
to the Communist Party,
1375
00:28:42,480 --> 00:28:43,140
to the Communist Party,
1376
00:28:43,140 --> 00:28:44,039
including his affair with Gene Tatlock,
1377
00:28:44,039 --> 00:28:45,360
including his affair with Gene Tatlock,
1378
00:28:45,360 --> 00:28:46,200
a Communist party member
1379
00:28:46,200 --> 00:28:47,040
a Communist party member
1380
00:28:47,040 --> 00:28:48,659
while he was leading the Los Alamos lab.
1381
00:28:48,659 --> 00:28:49,920
while he was leading the Los Alamos lab.
1382
00:28:49,920 --> 00:28:52,020
He was essentially accused
of treason and espionage.
1383
00:28:52,020 --> 00:28:54,032
He was essentially accused
of treason and espionage.
1384
00:28:54,032 --> 00:28:54,360
In December, 1953,
1385
00:28:54,360 --> 00:28:56,040
In December, 1953,
1386
00:28:56,040 --> 00:28:57,659
Oppenheimer had his security
clearance suspended.
1387
00:28:57,659 --> 00:28:59,134
Oppenheimer had his security
clearance suspended.
1388
00:28:59,134 --> 00:29:00,179
His face now grim and in black and white
1389
00:29:00,179 --> 00:29:02,009
His face now grim and in black and white
1390
00:29:02,009 --> 00:29:03,120
was once again on the cover of time.
1391
00:29:03,120 --> 00:29:05,070
was once again on the cover of time.
1392
00:29:05,070 --> 00:29:05,760
His security hearings
were international news.
1393
00:29:05,760 --> 00:29:08,283
His security hearings
were international news.
1394
00:29:08,283 --> 00:29:09,600
1395
00:29:09,600 --> 00:29:09,750
1396
00:29:09,750 --> 00:29:13,080
In 1964, German playwright
Heinar Kipphardt
1397
00:29:13,080 --> 00:29:13,290
In 1964, German playwright
Heinar Kipphardt
1398
00:29:13,290 --> 00:29:16,220
wrote a play about Oppenheimer's life.
1399
00:29:16,220 --> 00:29:16,470
wrote a play about Oppenheimer's life.
1400
00:29:16,470 --> 00:29:18,720
Oppenheimer was sent
a copy of this script,
1401
00:29:18,720 --> 00:29:19,200
Oppenheimer was sent
a copy of this script,
1402
00:29:19,200 --> 00:29:21,419
and he hated it so much
that he threatened to sue.
1403
00:29:21,419 --> 00:29:22,770
and he hated it so much
that he threatened to sue.
1404
00:29:22,770 --> 00:29:24,179
He especially despised the
final scene where the character
1405
00:29:24,179 --> 00:29:25,540
He especially despised the
final scene where the character
1406
00:29:25,540 --> 00:29:26,100
of Oppenheimer realizes
the evil of his work.
1407
00:29:26,100 --> 00:29:28,740
of Oppenheimer realizes
the evil of his work.
1408
00:29:28,740 --> 00:29:29,340
of Oppenheimer realizes
the evil of his work.
1409
00:29:29,340 --> 00:29:30,487
And I quote,
1410
00:29:30,487 --> 00:29:31,860
"We have been doing
the work of the devil."
1411
00:29:31,860 --> 00:29:33,419
"We have been doing
the work of the devil."
1412
00:29:33,419 --> 00:29:33,570
"We have been doing
the work of the devil."
1413
00:29:33,570 --> 00:29:35,640
To Oppenheimer, it was always
more complicated than that.
1414
00:29:35,640 --> 00:29:37,140
To Oppenheimer, it was always
more complicated than that.
1415
00:29:37,140 --> 00:29:37,320
To Oppenheimer, it was always
more complicated than that.
1416
00:29:37,320 --> 00:29:40,260
- I think that it probably was assumed,
1417
00:29:40,260 --> 00:29:40,620
it certainly was always
assumed at Los Alamos
1418
00:29:40,620 --> 00:29:42,179
it certainly was always
assumed at Los Alamos
1419
00:29:42,179 --> 00:29:42,919
it certainly was always
assumed at Los Alamos
1420
00:29:42,919 --> 00:29:43,200
that if the war were
not over and not clearly
1421
00:29:43,200 --> 00:29:45,779
that if the war were
not over and not clearly
1422
00:29:45,779 --> 00:29:47,919
that if the war were
not over and not clearly
1423
00:29:47,919 --> 00:29:50,419
1424
00:29:52,440 --> 00:29:52,470
1425
00:29:52,470 --> 00:29:55,320
to be brought to a conclusion
by the diplomatic means
1426
00:29:55,320 --> 00:29:56,760
to be brought to a conclusion
by the diplomatic means
1427
00:29:56,760 --> 00:29:57,470
to be brought to a conclusion
by the diplomatic means
1428
00:29:57,470 --> 00:29:58,940
1429
00:29:58,940 --> 00:30:00,419
this weapon would play a part.
1430
00:30:00,419 --> 00:30:01,230
this weapon would play a part.
1431
00:30:01,230 --> 00:30:03,120
At the time, the alternative,
1432
00:30:03,120 --> 00:30:04,503
At the time, the alternative,
1433
00:30:04,503 --> 00:30:06,179
1434
00:30:06,179 --> 00:30:06,300
1435
00:30:06,300 --> 00:30:08,460
the campaign of invasion was
certainly much more terrible
1436
00:30:08,460 --> 00:30:10,230
the campaign of invasion was
certainly much more terrible
1437
00:30:10,230 --> 00:30:10,620
for everyone concerned.
1438
00:30:10,620 --> 00:30:11,763
for everyone concerned.
1439
00:30:11,763 --> 00:30:13,260
1440
00:30:13,260 --> 00:30:13,440
1441
00:30:13,440 --> 00:30:16,020
I think that Hiroshima was
far more costly in life
1442
00:30:16,020 --> 00:30:18,059
I think that Hiroshima was
far more costly in life
1443
00:30:18,059 --> 00:30:18,440
I think that Hiroshima was
far more costly in life
1444
00:30:18,440 --> 00:30:21,180
1445
00:30:21,180 --> 00:30:21,480
and suffering inhumane than
it needed to have been,
1446
00:30:21,480 --> 00:30:24,720
and suffering inhumane than
it needed to have been,
1447
00:30:24,720 --> 00:30:26,180
and suffering inhumane than
it needed to have been,
1448
00:30:26,180 --> 00:30:27,120
1449
00:30:27,120 --> 00:30:27,210
1450
00:30:27,210 --> 00:30:29,760
to have been an effective
argument for ending the war.
1451
00:30:29,760 --> 00:30:32,210
to have been an effective
argument for ending the war.
1452
00:30:32,210 --> 00:30:33,360
1453
00:30:33,360 --> 00:30:33,510
1454
00:30:33,510 --> 00:30:36,540
This is easy to say after the fact.
1455
00:30:36,540 --> 00:30:36,840
- In 1965, he was asked about
the recent proposal of talks
1456
00:30:36,840 --> 00:30:38,940
- In 1965, he was asked about
the recent proposal of talks
1457
00:30:38,940 --> 00:30:39,870
- In 1965, he was asked about
the recent proposal of talks
1458
00:30:39,870 --> 00:30:40,679
with the Soviet Union to
halt the proliferation
1459
00:30:40,679 --> 00:30:42,450
with the Soviet Union to
halt the proliferation
1460
00:30:42,450 --> 00:30:42,960
of nuclear weapons,
1461
00:30:42,960 --> 00:30:43,380
of nuclear weapons,
1462
00:30:43,380 --> 00:30:44,857
and his response was,
1463
00:30:44,857 --> 00:30:45,360
"It should have been done
the day after Trinity.
1464
00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:47,419
"It should have been done
the day after Trinity.
1465
00:30:47,419 --> 00:30:48,180
"It should have been done
the day after Trinity.
1466
00:30:48,180 --> 00:30:50,340
Later that same year, he was
diagnosed with throat cancer.
1467
00:30:50,340 --> 00:30:51,570
Later that same year, he was
diagnosed with throat cancer.
1468
00:30:51,570 --> 00:30:52,860
He was a lifelong smoker,
1469
00:30:52,860 --> 00:30:53,295
He was a lifelong smoker,
1470
00:30:53,295 --> 00:30:55,320
and he died on the 18th
of February, 1967 aged 62.
1471
00:30:55,320 --> 00:30:58,295
and he died on the 18th
of February, 1967 aged 62.
1472
00:30:58,295 --> 00:31:01,039
1473
00:31:05,120 --> 00:31:05,190
1474
00:31:05,190 --> 00:31:07,559
Advances in science and
technology have given humans
1475
00:31:07,559 --> 00:31:07,951
Advances in science and
technology have given humans
1476
00:31:07,951 --> 00:31:09,899
tremendous power to make
the world better or worse,
1477
00:31:09,899 --> 00:31:12,240
tremendous power to make
the world better or worse,
1478
00:31:12,240 --> 00:31:13,200
and nuclear war isn't the only
thing we have to worry about.
1479
00:31:13,200 --> 00:31:14,760
and nuclear war isn't the only
thing we have to worry about.
1480
00:31:14,760 --> 00:31:15,480
and nuclear war isn't the only
thing we have to worry about.
1481
00:31:15,480 --> 00:31:16,799
Human caused climate change
poses a serious threat to
1482
00:31:16,799 --> 00:31:18,630
Human caused climate change
poses a serious threat to
1483
00:31:18,630 --> 00:31:19,559
ecosystems and the most vulnerable
people around the world.
1484
00:31:19,559 --> 00:31:21,779
ecosystems and the most vulnerable
people around the world.
1485
00:31:21,779 --> 00:31:22,380
ecosystems and the most vulnerable
people around the world.
1486
00:31:22,380 --> 00:31:24,299
As I record this, we are in
the midst of a heat wave,
1487
00:31:24,299 --> 00:31:25,290
As I record this, we are in
the midst of a heat wave,
1488
00:31:25,290 --> 00:31:26,279
and my folks up in Canada are suffering
1489
00:31:26,279 --> 00:31:27,120
and my folks up in Canada are suffering
1490
00:31:27,120 --> 00:31:28,020
in the smoke from wildfires.
1491
00:31:28,020 --> 00:31:29,070
in the smoke from wildfires.
1492
00:31:29,070 --> 00:31:30,299
This is where this video
sponsor Wren comes in.
1493
00:31:30,299 --> 00:31:31,723
This is where this video
sponsor Wren comes in.
1494
00:31:31,723 --> 00:31:33,240
Their mission is to take
action on climate change.
1495
00:31:33,240 --> 00:31:34,712
Their mission is to take
action on climate change.
1496
00:31:34,712 --> 00:31:35,520
On their website, you can
calculate your carbon footprint,
1497
00:31:35,520 --> 00:31:37,140
On their website, you can
calculate your carbon footprint,
1498
00:31:37,140 --> 00:31:37,590
On their website, you can
calculate your carbon footprint,
1499
00:31:37,590 --> 00:31:38,880
which can help you identify
ways to reduce your impact.
1500
00:31:38,880 --> 00:31:40,530
which can help you identify
ways to reduce your impact.
1501
00:31:40,530 --> 00:31:41,340
And if you like,
1502
00:31:41,340 --> 00:31:41,640
And if you like,
1503
00:31:41,640 --> 00:31:43,260
you can offset your carbon footprint
1504
00:31:43,260 --> 00:31:43,590
you can offset your carbon footprint
1505
00:31:43,590 --> 00:31:44,760
with a simple monthly subscription.
1506
00:31:44,760 --> 00:31:45,780
with a simple monthly subscription.
1507
00:31:45,780 --> 00:31:47,460
While individual action is important,
1508
00:31:47,460 --> 00:31:47,880
While individual action is important,
1509
00:31:47,880 --> 00:31:49,440
Wren understands that
this alone is not enough,
1510
00:31:49,440 --> 00:31:51,000
Wren understands that
this alone is not enough,
1511
00:31:51,000 --> 00:31:51,840
which is why your subscription funds
1512
00:31:51,840 --> 00:31:52,560
which is why your subscription funds
1513
00:31:52,560 --> 00:31:53,520
not only carbon removal and offsets,
1514
00:31:53,520 --> 00:31:54,870
not only carbon removal and offsets,
1515
00:31:54,870 --> 00:31:56,520
but also lobbying to enact climate policy
1516
00:31:56,520 --> 00:31:57,660
but also lobbying to enact climate policy
1517
00:31:57,660 --> 00:31:58,440
and land conservation projects.
1518
00:31:58,440 --> 00:31:59,970
and land conservation projects.
1519
00:31:59,970 --> 00:32:00,960
I am particularly fond
1520
00:32:00,960 --> 00:32:01,230
I am particularly fond
1521
00:32:01,230 --> 00:32:02,760
of their new refrigerant
destruction project.
1522
00:32:02,760 --> 00:32:04,110
of their new refrigerant
destruction project.
1523
00:32:04,110 --> 00:32:05,460
We actually made a video
about Thomas Midgley
1524
00:32:05,460 --> 00:32:06,840
We actually made a video
about Thomas Midgley
1525
00:32:06,840 --> 00:32:07,799
who invented Freon,
1526
00:32:07,799 --> 00:32:08,460
who invented Freon,
1527
00:32:08,460 --> 00:32:10,140
which is a refrigerant
that is both destructive
1528
00:32:10,140 --> 00:32:10,770
which is a refrigerant
that is both destructive
1529
00:32:10,770 --> 00:32:12,600
to the ozone layer and a
very potent greenhouse gas.
1530
00:32:12,600 --> 00:32:14,730
to the ozone layer and a
very potent greenhouse gas.
1531
00:32:14,730 --> 00:32:15,240
Well this project permanently destroys
1532
00:32:15,240 --> 00:32:16,680
Well this project permanently destroys
1533
00:32:16,680 --> 00:32:17,340
harmful refrigerants like CFCs, HCFCs,
1534
00:32:17,340 --> 00:32:19,407
harmful refrigerants like CFCs, HCFCs,
1535
00:32:19,407 --> 00:32:21,059
and HFCs to stop them from
getting into the atmosphere.
1536
00:32:21,059 --> 00:32:22,380
and HFCs to stop them from
getting into the atmosphere.
1537
00:32:22,380 --> 00:32:22,860
and HFCs to stop them from
getting into the atmosphere.
1538
00:32:22,860 --> 00:32:24,299
And this will reduce global
warming and prevent the further
1539
00:32:24,299 --> 00:32:25,442
And this will reduce global
warming and prevent the further
1540
00:32:25,442 --> 00:32:25,919
destruction of the ozone layer.
1541
00:32:25,919 --> 00:32:27,210
destruction of the ozone layer.
1542
00:32:27,210 --> 00:32:27,600
It's a win-win.
1543
00:32:27,600 --> 00:32:28,043
It's a win-win.
1544
00:32:28,043 --> 00:32:30,179
I personally offset my
emissions with Wren,
1545
00:32:30,179 --> 00:32:30,600
I personally offset my
emissions with Wren,
1546
00:32:30,600 --> 00:32:31,740
and for the first a
hundred people to sign up
1547
00:32:31,740 --> 00:32:32,220
and for the first a
hundred people to sign up
1548
00:32:32,220 --> 00:32:33,120
using the link in the description,
1549
00:32:33,120 --> 00:32:33,394
using the link in the description,
1550
00:32:33,394 --> 00:32:35,340
I will personally pay for the first month
1551
00:32:35,340 --> 00:32:35,790
I will personally pay for the first month
1552
00:32:35,790 --> 00:32:36,600
of your subscription.
1553
00:32:36,600 --> 00:32:36,840
of your subscription.
1554
00:32:36,840 --> 00:32:38,880
This is an idea I came up with myself
1555
00:32:38,880 --> 00:32:39,030
This is an idea I came up with myself
1556
00:32:39,030 --> 00:32:40,860
because I think it's so
important that for those of us
1557
00:32:40,860 --> 00:32:41,430
because I think it's so
important that for those of us
1558
00:32:41,430 --> 00:32:42,270
who can help,
1559
00:32:42,270 --> 00:32:42,659
that we pool our resources together
1560
00:32:42,659 --> 00:32:43,740
that we pool our resources together
1561
00:32:43,740 --> 00:32:44,279
to have a greater impact.
1562
00:32:44,279 --> 00:32:45,180
to have a greater impact.
1563
00:32:45,180 --> 00:32:46,200
So I hope you take the
time to check out Wren.
1564
00:32:46,200 --> 00:32:47,460
So I hope you take the
time to check out Wren.
1565
00:32:47,460 --> 00:32:48,059
I wanna thank them for sponsoring
this part of the video,
1566
00:32:48,059 --> 00:32:49,440
I wanna thank them for sponsoring
this part of the video,
1567
00:32:49,440 --> 00:32:49,740
I wanna thank them for sponsoring
this part of the video,
1568
00:32:49,740 --> 00:32:51,120
and I wanna thank you for watching.
1569
00:32:51,120 --> 00:32:51,603
and I wanna thank you for watching.
113658
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