In this episode of Intelligence Squared, Adam McCauley interviews Frank Close, a physicist and science writer, about his new book, "Destroyer of Worlds," which explores the history of nuclear power from 1895 to 1965. Close details the scientific discoveries and the key figures involved in unlocking the power of the atom, beginning with the accidental discovery of X-rays and radioactivity, leading to the understanding of atomic structure and nuclear fission. The conversation covers the international scientific competition that ensued, the role of scientists like the Curies, Rutherford, Fermi, and the impact of World War II on accelerating nuclear research, including the Manhattan Project. Close also reflects on the moral and political implications of nuclear energy and weaponry, highlighting the shift from individual scientific endeavors to large-scale industrial projects and the ongoing challenge of using nuclear power for good.
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