The German army under Hitler was attempting to produce a nuclear chain reaction (for a nuclear weapon) using graphite. However, Leo Szilard realized that the graphite needed to be 100% pure. Szilard beat the Germans and demonstrated the first controlled chain reaction on December 2 1942 at the University of Chicago. The proof that a nuclear chain reaction was possible meant that a nuclear weapon was also possible.
Nuclear Chain Reaction
This drawing depicts the historic December 2, 1942, event.
This drawing depicts the historic Dec. 2, 1942, event the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
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