Are Atoms Indivisible?
Henri Becquerel (1896) tries to produce X-rays from natural sources.
- Finds radiation (less penetrating than X-rays) given off from ore containing Uranium.
Marie Curie discovers immense radiation energy from element she named Radium.
Surprising? Yes!
- If the radiation comes from the atom, it could indicate that an atom had been transformed into another kind of atom!
- If atoms are not immutable, then it makes sense to ask “what are atoms made of?”
Sensation in the world press.
- Could the energy be used? Atomic Bomb proposed!