Atomic Power Production.

The article features a discussion on atomic power production. Conflicting statements about the practical uses of atomic power have been made by different scientists, depending largely upon whether a short-range view or a long-term view is taken. A "pile" is made by simply stacking up uranium or uranium-235 or plutonium with a moderator of graphite or other suitable material which slows down the neutrons so that they will be better absorbed in the uranium. The pile must not be less than a definite critical size, otherwise the external loss of neutrons will be so great as to prevent the continuation of the nuclear chain reaction.