John Cockcroft

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

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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/john-cockcroft

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. When was John Cockcroft born?May 27, 1897
2. Where was John Cockcroft born?Todmorden, West Yorkshire, England
3. Who invented John Cockcroft?Cockcroft-Walton generator (with Ernest Walton)
4. What is the doctoral research?Completed at Cavendish Laboratory under Ernest Rutherford in 1928
5. What is the wartime role?Assistant Director of Scientific Research, Ministry of Supply; Tizard Mission
6. What did John Cockcroft help scientists do with atoms?He helped split atoms, showing that atoms could be changed into other elements.

Atomic Nucleus: The dense, central core of an atom, composed of protons and neutrons, holding most of its mass.
Artificial Disintegration: The process of breaking down an atomic nucleus using externally applied forces or particles.
Cockcroft-Walton Generator: An early particle accelerator used to generate high voltages for nuclear experiments.
Nuclear Transmutation: The conversion of one chemical element or isotope into another through nuclear reactions.