An atomic pile is a device that generates energy through nuclear fission. It is also known as a nuclear reactor or a pile. The concept of the atomic pile was first introduced in the early 20th century, and it has since been used in various applications, including power generation, scientific research, and military purposes.
Definitions
An atomic pile is a device that uses nuclear reactions to generate heat, which can then be used to produce electricity. It works by using a controlled chain reaction of nuclear fission to release energy. The pile consists of a core of fissile material, such as uranium or plutonium, surrounded by a moderator, which slows down the neutrons produced during the fission process.
Origin
The concept of the atomic pile was first proposed by Enrico Fermi in 1934. Fermi was an Italian physicist who was working in Rome at the time. He realized that by using a pile of uranium and graphite, he could create a controlled nuclear reaction. Fermi’s work led to the creation of the first nuclear reactor, which was built at the University of Chicago in 1942.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an atomic pile is “a nuclear reactor in which a controlled chain reaction is maintained in a mass of fissionable material.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a device for producing a controlled nuclear chain reaction, used for generating power or for research purposes.”
Associations
The atomic pile is associated with nuclear power generation, scientific research, and military applications. It has been used to generate electricity in power plants, to study the properties of nuclear reactions, and to produce weapons-grade plutonium.
Synonyms
The synonyms of atomic pile include nuclear reactor, nuclear pile, and atomic reactor.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for atomic pile, but some related terms include non-nuclear power generation and conventional energy sources.
The same root words
The same root words as atomic pile include atom, nuclear, reactor, and fission.
Example Sentences
- The atomic pile at the power plant generates electricity for the entire city.
- Scientists use the atomic pile to study the properties of nuclear reactions.
- The military used the atomic pile to produce weapons-grade plutonium.
- The nuclear reactor is a type of atomic pile that uses uranium as fuel.
- The atomic pile was first proposed by Enrico Fermi in 1934.