Profiles In Eccentricity
David Hahn: Child Of The Atom
Jul 18, 2024
Chemistry prodigy turned nuclear threat, David Hahn, showcases his DIY nuclear energy experiments, earning him an Eagle Scout badge. The podcast touches on his childhood fascination with chemistry, resourcefulness in acquiring radioactive materials, and dangerous endeavors building a breeder reactor in his mother's shed.
01:30:46
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Quick takeaways
- David Hahn's unconventional nuclear experiments posed serious safety concerns.
- His innovative approach to nuclear energy experimentation lacked enriched uranium for sustainable reactions.
Deep dives
David's Experimentation with Radioactive Materials
David Hahn, known as the 'nuclear boy scout', embarked on a daring journey with radioactive elements, extracting substances like thorium and uranium using unconventional methods. He took apart smoke detectors for americium-241 and obtained radium from antique clocks to fuel his nuclear ambitions. Utilizing a neutron gun made from various sources to irradiate the elements, David's determined pursuit led to significant radioactive discoveries.
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