3min snip

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Richard Rhodes — The Making of the Atomic Bomb

The Joe Walker Podcast

NOTE

The Natzi mistakes in trying Graphite and Heavy Water for Chain Reaction

During World War II, scientists sought ways to slow down fast neutrons to increase the chances of finding another uranium atom. Graphite was a potential option, but it had impurities. The Germans, unaware of this, unsuccessfully attempted to use graphite. They then turned to heavy water, a rare substance with unique nuclear properties, and tried to confiscate existing supplies. However, Norwegian scientists sabotaged the heavy water plant and sunk the boat carrying the remaining heavy water, preventing Germany from building a larger reactor.

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