In the 1930's scientists were finding very intriguing things about the use of the atom's power and atomic fission. Fission is the process by which the nucleus of a heavy element absorbs a neutron, which forces it to split into two nearly equal halves. Scientists discovered that when an atom split, the sum of all the parts it split into did not, in fact, add up to the original mass (weight) of the atom. In …showed first 75 words of 652 total…

…showed last 75 words of 652 total…atomic power and weaponry. He initiated one of the most famous programs in human history--the project that almost wasn't. Even when all his friends, and very highly acclaimed scientists--deserted him, he held firm. His reward? He is little known among circles that have heard of Einstein, and Oppenheimer, and Fermi, yet he was the real force behind the project that helped win the war with the Japanese. We all owe Szilard a debt of gratitude.