To fully understand how nuclear weapons work, it is critical to first understand the basic atomic structure of an atom. The discovery and contribution of the atom formed the basis of modern nuclear weapons. Added to this is the production of electricity through the use of nuclear energy. A Greek amateur named Democritus was known to have been the first to theorize the atom as the universal building block of all things during the 4th century BC. He was amplifying an earlier notion of his mentor and philosopher Leucippus. Democritus proposed the concept of a pixelated world composed of tiny invisible spheres of matter, impossible to divide. He called these tiny balls “atoms,” meaning indivisible. This is where the concept of the atom was first conceived. Most of Democritus' writings were ignored and none survive today in their original form because Plato did not like them. Although some believe he was the father of modern science. In 1808, an English teacher and scientist named John Dalton proposed a modern atomic theory. Dalton suggested the idea of ​​the atom as the smallest particle or building block that created all other materials around us. He developed the idea, but wasn't sure what role they played in the environment and other objects. The introduction of his theory led scientists to independently develop their own idea of ​​existing small particles; with positively and negatively charged electrons holding matter together. These positively and negatively charged electrons, which are now known as protons and electrons; which will be discussed more fully in this paper, were only recognized after the discovery of the atom This was an extraordinary of...... middle of paper ......-238 is used as a tamper/reflector to minimize the escape and capture of neutrons. Depending on what happens to the free neutron produced, different types of chain reactions result in different uses. A sustaining chain reaction is required for a nuclear reactor. It is where the number of neutrons neither increases nor decreases; remains constant. To get the maximum yield from a nuclear weapon and increase its efficiency, more neutrons are needed. Works Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucippus http://science.howstuffworks.com/atom1.htm http:/ /discovery.yukozimo.com/who-discovered-the-atom/ http:// www.atomicarchive.com/Fission/Fission1.shtml http://lc.brooklyn.cuny.edu/smarttutor/corc1322/ASIntro.html http ://www.english-online.at/science/atoms-and-elements/ atoms-and-important-chemical-elements.htm http://www.cddc.vt.edu/host/atomic/trinity/trinity1. html