The History of Nuclear Power

The discovery and application of nuclear power is one of the most profound scientific accomplishments of the 20th century, beginning with tentative explorations of the structure of matter, expanding into a rapid succession of unexpected discoveries, and finally settling into a seamless transition from theoretical science to applied engineering. There were many changes to nuclear power during this century - science transitioned from an academic pursuit to an industry, the use of uranium changed from an occasional orange or green dye in ceramics to major power-fuel, and public safety concerns shifted from boiler explosions on steamboats to nuclear reactor explosions on continents.