Everything Everywhere Daily

Edward Teller and the Development of the H-Bomb

May 14, 2024

Physicist Edward Teller, known for the hydrogen bomb, discusses the Manhattan Project and the pursuit of fusion-based explosives. Topics include Teller's background, the challenges in developing the H-bomb, controversies in his career, and his lasting impact on defense strategies.

14:44

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Edward Teller

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Quick takeaways

Edward Teller developed the Teller Ulam design for the hydrogen bomb, revolutionizing nuclear weaponry technology.

Teller's advocacy for nuclear weapons and opposition to arms control treaties shaped his complex legacy.

Deep dives

Edward Teller, the Father of the Hydrogen Bomb

Edward Teller, born in Budapest in 1908, played a pivotal role in the development of the hydrogen bomb. Raised in a Jewish family, Teller's formative years during political upheaval in Hungary shaped his worldview. Through his work in the U.S., he made advancements like the John Teller Effect and the Brunauer Emmett Teller theory, laying the groundwork for his later contributions to nuclear weaponry.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Edward Teller's Background and Academic Journey

3min

The Development of the Hydrogen Bomb

6min

The Development of the Hydrogen Bomb and Controversies

2min

The Controversial Legacy of Edward Teller and Nuclear Advocacy

3min

During the Second World War, the United States established the highly secret Manhattan Project to develop an atomic bomb based on nuclear fission.

While the Manhattan Project was ultimately successful, some in the program were thinking bigger. They felt that the explosion from an uncontrolled fission reaction could be used to create an even larger explosion using nuclear fusion.

One man, in particular, felt that such a device was necessary and spearheaded the efforts after the war to develop a fusion-based hydrogen bomb.

Learn more about Edward Teller, the father of the hydrogen bomb, on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.

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