VELS VIDYASHRAM

SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL - 600 130

UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE OF ATOMIC

BOMBINGS OF HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI

Name : ANANNYA PATRIKAR

Subject : Chemistry [043]

Class : XI
Academic Year : 2023-2024

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 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified to be the record of work done by ANANNYA PATRIKAR of class

11 B VELS VIDYASHRAM SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, THALAMBUR, Chennai –

600 130, during the year 2023-2024

Date: ………………………………… Teacher in-charge

Submitted for the practical examination held in ……………………………………… at

Vels Vidyashram Senior Secondary School - Thalambur, Chennai.

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT

Date: ……………………………..

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I am immensely indebted to Almighty God for his

blessings and grace without which I could not have undertaken this
task and my efforts would never have been a success.

I consider it a privilege and an honor to express my heartiest and

profound gratitude to Ms. Ramya Uday, Principal of our school and
Mr. Mahesh Kumar, our Chemistry Teacher for their appropriate
direction, valuable suggestions and judging assistance so
generously extended to me. His observations, precious insights and
comments have indeed greatly helped to shape my ideas.

I express my sincerest gratitude to my beloved school for the

supervision and provision of the required apparatus to complete my
project. I also owe a sense of gratitude to my parents for giving me
their collaboration and support throughout this project.

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Table of contents
1. Introduction………………………………………………………. 5
1.1 History behind Hiroshima and Nagasaki
2. Nuclear Reactions……………………………………………… 8
2.1 Fissile reactions
2.2 Chain reactions
3. The Atomic Bombs…………………………………………….. 10
1. The Uranium Bomb (Little Boy)
2. The Plutonium Bomb (Fat Man)
4. Chemical aspects……………………………………………….. 13
1. Uranium and plutonium chemical properties
2. Explosive materials
5. Effects and aftermath………………………………………… 16
6. Conclusion…………………………………………………………. 20
7. References…………………………………………………………. 21

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Section 1. Introduction

1.1 History behind Hiroshima and Nagasaki

The history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki encompasses a rich cultural

and historical legacy that predates the tragic events of World War II.
Both cities played vital roles in Japan's industrial and cultural
development before experiencing unprecedented devastation
because of the atomic bombings in August 1945.

1.1.1 Hiroshima:

Hiroshima, located on the western part of Honshu, Japan's main

island, was historically known for its vibrant cultural heritage and
its significance as a major urban centre in the region. The city
flourished as a commercial and industrial hub, renowned for its
castle, shrines, and the picturesque beauty of its surroundings.
During World War II, Hiroshima served as an important military
base and a key logistical centre for the Japanese government. Its
strategic significance made it a target for the United States' atomic
bombing campaign in the final stages of the war.

1.1.2 Nagasaki:

Nagasaki, situated on the island of Kyushu, was renowned as a

major port city, serving as a vital link to international trade and
cultural exchange for centuries. It was celebrated for its vibrant

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foreign influences and diverse cultural heritage, exemplified by the
presence of foreign settlements and the unique blend of Eastern
and Western architectural styles.

Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki held strategic significance for the

Japanese military during World War II, and it played a role in Japan's
industrial and military efforts.
The fateful events of August 1945 forever altered the trajectory
of both cities. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an
atomic bomb on Hiroshima, leading to catastrophic destruction
and the loss of tens of thousands of lives. Three days later, on
August 9, 1945, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki,
resulting in further devastation and the tragic loss of civilian lives.

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In the aftermath of the bombings, Hiroshima and Nagasaki
underwent significant efforts to rebuild and heal. These cities became
symbols of resilience and determination, showcasing the strength
and spirit of the Japanese people. Over time, they transformed into
advocates for peace and nuclear disarmament, emphasizing the need
to prevent the horrors of nuclear warfare from ever happening again.
Today, both Hiroshima and Nagasaki serve as powerful reminders
of the consequences of war and the importance of pursuing peace
and reconciliation. They continue to promote messages of
peace, resilience, and international cooperation, highlighting the
enduring impact of history and the imperative of learning from the
past to build a more peaceful and harmonious future.

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Section 2. Nuclear reactions
The events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were shaped by the
chemistry involved in the construction, detonation, and aftermath of
the atomic bombs. The atomic bombs that were dropped on these
two cities during World War II utilized nuclear fission, a fundamental
process in nuclear chemistry, to release an immense amount of
energy, leading to widespread devastation and significant loss of life.
Understanding the chemistry involved provides insights into the
scale of destruction and the long-term effects of these bombings.

2.1 Fission rection:

The atomic bombs, "Little Boy" and "Fat Man," employed uranium
235 and plutonium-239, respectively, as their fissile materials.
The critical mass of these materials was achieved through precise
chemical processes and careful enrichment techniques, ensuring
that the conditions for sustained nuclear fission were met upon
detonation. The splitting of atomic nuclei during fission released an
enormous amount of energy, causing the catastrophic explosions
that resulted in the destruction of both cities. Nuclear fission is a
process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more
smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy. In the case
of uranium-235 and plutonium-239, the bombardment of a neutron
can cause the nucleus to become unstable and split into two or

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more lighter elements, along with the release of additional neutrons
and a vast amount of energy in the form of heat and gamma
radiation.

2.2 Chain Reactions:

In a nuclear chain reaction, the neutrons released during the

fission process can collide with other fissile nuclei, causing them to
split and release more neutrons. These newly released neutrons can
then trigger further fission events in a continuous and self-sustaining
cycle. When this process is uncontrolled and reaches a critical mass,
it leads to rapid release of energy, as observed in nuclear bombs.
The rapid release of energy from the chain reaction led to the
massive explosion that devastated the urban centres of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki.

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Section 3. The Atomic Bombs
1. Uranium Bomb (Little Boy)
1.1 Construction of the uranium bomb
• The uranium bomb, codenamed "Little Boy," used uranium-235
as its fissile material. It consisted of a gun-type design, where
two sub critical masses of uranium-235 were brought together
using conventional explosives, resulting in a supercritical mass
that initiated the chain reaction leading to the explosive release
of energy.

1.2 Working of the uranium bomb

• Critical Mass Requirement: The critical mass of uranium-235

required for a nuclear explosion is approximately 52 kilograms.
This amount of uranium-235 is needed to achieve the necessary
density and configuration for a sustained chain reaction to occur,
resulting in the rapid release of an enormous amount of energy
characteristic of a nuclear explosion. The successful execution of
the uranium bomb design relied on precise engineering and
understanding of the critical mass requirement to ensure the
proper assembly and detonation of the device. The principles of
nuclear reactions and the specific designs of the atomic bombs
underscore the complex interplay of physics, chemistry, and
engineering in the development and deployment of nuclear
weapons.

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1.2 Immediate Casualties: The initial detonations resulted in the
immediate deaths of tens of thousands of people in each city.
Many more suffered severe injuries from the blast, heat, and
radiation detonations

2. Plutonium Bomb (Fat Man)

2.1 Construction of the plutonium bomb

• The construction of the plutonium bomb- “Fat Man" detonated over

Nagasaki, involved a spherical arrangement of conventional
explosives surrounding a core of subcritical plutonium-239. The
carefully synchronized detonation of these explosives created a rapid,
symmetrical implosion, compressing the plutonium core to achieve
critical mass.

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2.2 Working of the plutonium bomb

• The compression initiated an uncontrolled nuclear fission chain

reaction, releasing an immense amount of energy in the form of
a devastating explosion. The intricate design and precise
engineering of the explosives were essential for ensuring the
successful implosion and the subsequent catastrophic impact of
the bomb.

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SECTION 4. CHEMICAL ASPECTS

Examining the chemical components and reactions involved in atomic

bomb explosions:

1. Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239

1.1. Fissile Isotope: Uranium-235 is a fissile isotope, meaning it can

sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction, releasing an enormous
amount of energy. It readily undergoes induced fission upon
bombardment with low-energy thermal neutrons. Plutonium-239 is
also a fissile material, capable of sustaining a nuclear fission chain
reaction when bombarded with slow neutrons. It is created by
irradiating uranium-238 in nuclear reactors, making it an essential
component in the production of nuclear weapons.

1.2. Radioactive Nature: Uranium-235 is radioactive, emitting alpha

particles and low-energy gamma rays during its decay process.
Plutonium-239 is also radioactive and its long half-life makes it a
persistent source of radiation, posing significant health risks to living
organisms.

1.3. High Energy Content: The energy released per fission event of
uranium-235 is significantly higher compared to other nuclear fuels,
making it a valuable resource for both military and civilian nuclear
applications.

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1.4. Isotopic Production: Plutonium-239 is produced artificially by
bombarding uranium-238 with neutrons in
nuclear reactors. It can also be obtained as
a byproduct of uranium-based nuclear
reactions.

1.5. Highly Toxic Nature: Plutonium-239 is

highly toxic and poses severe health risks if
ingested or inhaled, primarily due to its alpha particle emissions.
Proper handling and storage are crucial to prevent environmental
contamination and human exposure.

2. Explosive materials
• Conventional explosives play a critical role in initiating the
nuclear reaction by compressing the fissile material, such as
plutonium-239 or uranium-235, in a nuclear weapon.
• The high-explosive lenses are strategically positioned around the
fissile core to generate a precisely synchronized, symmetrical
implosion. This implosion increases the density of the fissile
material, bringing it to a critical mass where a self-sustaining
chain reaction can occur.
• The timing and uniformity of the implosion are crucial to prevent
premature initiation of the nuclear reaction, ensuring that the
compression is sufficient for the release of a burst of neutrons,

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 which triggers an uncontrolled fission chain reaction. This
reaction results in a release of an immense amount of energy,
leading to a powerful explosion characteristic of nuclear devices.
• The precise engineering and meticulous design of the
conventional explosives are paramount in achieving the
compression necessary for the initiation of the devastating
nuclear reaction.

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Section 5: Effects and Aftermath

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in severe

chemical and physical effects on the buildings and structures in the
vicinity. The intense shockwaves generated by the explosions caused
widespread destruction, leading to the following consequences:

5.1 Blast Effects

• Structural Damage: The powerful shockwaves caused
immediate structural deformation, collapse, and fragmentation
of infrastructure within the blast radius. The force of the
shockwaves led to the fracturing of load-bearing elements,
resulting in the destruction of many buildings
• Heat-Induced Effects: The extreme temperatures generated by
the nuclear explosion ignited fires in the surrounding areas,
causing destruction of buildings. The combination of the
intense heat and shockwaves led to the incineration of
flammable materials, leading to the overall devastation.
• Radioactive Contamination: In addition to the direct impact of
the explosions, the subsequent dispersal of radioactive
materials led to long-term chemical and physical effects on the
structural integrity of buildings. Radioactive fallout
contaminated the affected areas, posing a significant health
risk and causing additional structural deterioration over time.

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• Secondary Effects: The chemical and physical impacts of the
shockwaves contributed to secondary effects such as
widespread displacement of materials, debris, and
contaminants. The structural instability caused by the initial
shockwaves increased the risk of subsequent collapses and
further hindered recovery and rescue efforts.

5.2 Radiation effects

• The nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in

the release of a significant number of radioactive isotopes into
the environment.
• These isotopes, including radioactive forms of iodine, cesium,
and strontium, caused widespread contamination.
• Exposure to radioactive particles on inhalation and ingestion
caused long-term health effects such as increased risks of
cancer, genetic mutations, and other radiation-related illnesses
among survivors and subsequent generations.

5.3 Nuclear Fallout

• Atmospheric Dissemination: The initial explosions released a

lot of radioactive particles widely through the atmosphere.
These particles lead to contamination of distant regions
beyond the immediate blast sites.

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• Contamination of Soil and Water: The deposition of
radioactive materials onto the ground resulted in the
contamination of soil and water sources. This contamination
persisted for an extended period, causing long-term hazards to
agriculture, ecosystems, and water supplies.
• Psychological Trauma: The survivors, known as
hibakusha, experienced profound psychological trauma
due to the horrors they witnessed and the loss of their
loved ones. The psychological scars persisted for
generations, affecting the mental health and well-being
of survivors and their families.
• Social and Economic Disruption: The bombings disrupted the
social fabric of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to widespread
displacement, economic instability, and the loss of livelihoods.
The destruction of essential infrastructure and
the displacement of families created significant challenges for
the survivors in rebuilding their lives and communities.

5.4 Reconstruction Challenges:

Rebuilding the cities and the lives of survivors posed significant
challenges. The process of reconstruction was slow and
difficult, requiring extensive support from the government and
international aid organizations.

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 The legacy of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of warfare and the
urgent need for international cooperation to prevent the use of
nuclear weapons.

The experiences of the survivors underscore the importance

of fostering empathy, understanding, and a commitment to global
peace and reconciliation, emphasizing the imperative of learning
from the past to build a more peaceful and harmonious future.

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Conclusion
The project focused on elucidating the crucial role of chemistry
in the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, emphasizing the
following key points:
Nuclear Fission: Detailed the process of nuclear fission as the
fundamental chemical reaction that powers atomic bombs,
highlighting the critical role of uranium-235 and plutonium-239
in initiating the devastating explosions.
Construction and Implosion Mechanism: Explored the intricate
construction of the bombs, underscoring the precise
engineering of conventional explosives to compress the fissile
materials, enabling the achievement of critical mass and
triggering the uncontrolled nuclear chain reactions.
Chemical and Physical Effects: Analyzed the chemical and
physical impacts of the shockwaves on buildings and
structures, as well as the release of radioactive isotopes and
their lasting effects on human health and the environment,
emphasizing the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.
Long-term Implications: Highlighted the long-term implications
of the dispersal of radioactive materials, including the
contamination of soil, water, and the food chain, and the
subsequent health risks for survivors and the ecosystem,
underscoring the enduring legacy of the bombings.

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References:
Wikipedia
ThoughtCo
Britannica

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