Discover
Discover

Share

Download
Features
/
Article

The discovery of fission

NOV 01, 1967
Initial formulations of nuclear fission are colored with the successes, failures and just plain bad luck of several scientists from different nations. The winning combination of good fortune and careful thought made this exciting concept a reality.

DOI: 10.1063/1.3034021

Otto R. Frisch
John A. Wheeler

THE NEUTRON was discovered in 1932. Why, then, did it take seven years before nuclear fission was found? Fission is obviously a striking phenomenon; it results in a large amount of radioactivity of all kinds and produces fragments that have more than ten times the total ionization of anything previously known. So why did it take so long? The question might be answered best by reviewing the situation in Europe from an experimentalist’s point of view.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the Authors

Otto R. Frisch. Cambridge University, England.

John A. Wheeler. Princeton's physics department.

© 1967 American Institute of Physics
Related content
Features
/
Article
A brief guide to science outreach
Figuring out how to communicate with the public can be overwhelming. Here’s some advice for getting started.
December 16, 2025 04:38 PM
Features
/
Article
The urgent need for research governance of solar geoengineering
Amid growing investment in planetary-scale climate intervention strategies that alter sunlight reflection, global communities deserve inclusive and accountable oversight of research.
December 15, 2025 12:05 PM
Features
/
Article
Superconducting quantum circuits: At the heart of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics
Although motivated by the fundamental exploration of the weirdness of the quantum world, the prizewinning experiments have led to a promising branch of quantum computing technology.
November 25, 2025 03:04 PM
Features
/
Article
Solid-state batteries: Hype, hopes, and hurdles
As conventional lithium-ion battery technology approaches its theoretical limits, researchers are studying alternative architectures with solid electrolytes.
November 10, 2025 10:22 AM
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1967_11.jpeg

Volume 20, Number 11

Get PT in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.