The Manhattan Project
When was the Manhattan Project initiated?
- The Manhattan Project was officially initiated in 1942, setting the stage for the development of the atomic bomb.
Who was the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project?
- Robert Oppenheimer led the Los Alamos Laboratory, where the atomic bomb was developed.
Which U.S. President authorized the Manhattan Project?
- President Roosevelt authorized the project after being warned of potential nuclear weapon development by Germany.
What were the names of the two bombs developed under the Manhattan Project that were dropped on Japan?
- “Little Boy” was dropped on Hiroshima, and “Fat Man” was dropped on Nagasaki.
What element was used as fuel in the "Little Boy" bomb?
- Uranium. Specifically, it was Uranium-235, a rare isotope of uranium.
The first successful test of an atomic bomb took place at which site?
- Trinity Site is right. The Trinity test was conducted in New Mexico on July 16, 1945.
Approximately how many people worked on the Manhattan Project at its peak?
- 130,000. The project was a massive undertaking involving a broad range of professionals from various fields.
What was the estimated cost of the Manhattan Project?
- $2 billion is right. In today's dollars, this would be equivalent to over $28 billion.
What was the name of the theoretical physicist who wrote the letter to President Roosevelt suggesting the U.S. should pursue nuclear weapons?
- Albert Einstein. His letter, known as the Einstein-Szilard letter, was instrumental in initiating the Manhattan Project.
Which of the following was NOT a result of the Manhattan Project?
- The focus of the Manhattan Project was solely on military applications of nuclear technology.
