What was Oliphant's contribution to the Little Boy atomic bomb?
Developing electromagnetic isotope separation
Designing the bomb
Enriching the uranium
Assembling the bomb
Answer
Oliphant developed electromagnetic isotope separation for the Little Boy atomic bomb. This process separates uranium-235 from uranium-238 by using an electromagnetic field to cause the lighter uranium-235 atoms to be deflected more than the heavier uranium-238 atoms. This is a very difficult process, but it is necessary to produce enough uranium-235 for the atomic bomb to work.
The Remarkable Mark Oliphant: A Quiz on Australia's Distinguished Physicist
More Questions
Where did Oliphant return to after World War II?
What machine did Oliphant initiate the design and construction of at the Australian National University (ANU)?
In what year did Oliphant retire?
What political position did Oliphant hold in South Australia after his retirement?
Which political party did Oliphant assist in founding?
Related Quizzes
Subscribe Now!
Learn something
new everyday
Playing quizzes is free! We send 1 quiz every week to your inbox