The Gadget!

By Chloe Butler

The Gadget!

What is The Gadget?• Trinity was the code name. “The

Gadget” was the weapon’s informal name. It was tested by United States Army on July 16, 1945. “the Gadget” was a test of an implosion-design Plutonium Device. When the gadget was detonated it produced a power equal to 20 kilotons of TNT. This was beginning of Atomic age.

Where and when was it tested?

• The Gadget was tested by the United States Army on July 16, 1945. 35 miles, Southwest of Socorro, New Mexico at White Sands Proving Ground. Now White Sands Missile Range.

Why was it tested in this location?

• It was tested in this location because it was large enough and secretive enough to test a nuclear weapon.

Why is it referred to as a “fat man type”?

• The Gadget was referred to as a “fat man type” because they were almost identical except for very few details. Such as shape and design.

What were some of the fears of detonating this bomb?

• Some of the fears with detonating the Gadget was that atomic technology could end up in the hands of enemy’s would be used against us.

Who were the scientists involved with the Gadget?

• These are some of the scientists involved with the Gadget. Kenneth Bainbridge was the test planner. George Kistiakowsky was the explosive expert.

What were the reactions of the scientists?

• The reactions to the explosion was surprise, joy, and relief. “from darkness to brilliant sunshine in an instant” was a quote from Lawrence.

How did the bomb work? What type of radioactive material was involved?

Was it fusion or fission?• Worked the Principle of gaseous diffusion. It

involved magnetic separation of the 2 isotopes. A gas centrifuge was used to farther separate the lighter U-235 from the heavier non-fissionable U-238. Uranium. Fission.

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