Atomic Age

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/atomic-age

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the key principle?Nuclear fission: the splitting of atomic nuclei, releasing vast amounts of energy
2. What is the military applications?Nuclear weapons, leading to the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

Nuclear Fission: The process where the nucleus of an atom splits, releasing energy and subatomic particles.
Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD): A military doctrine where a full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two opposing sides would cause the complete annihilation of both.
Nuclear Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons, fissionable material, and nuclear technology to countries that do not have them.
Radioactive Waste: Byproducts of nuclear reactions that remain hazardous for extended periods, posing significant disposal challenges.