PDF The Pope of Physics: Enrico Fermi and the Birth of the Atomic Age by Gino Segrè; Bettina Hoerlin in History

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not great literature; but a wonderful story about a great manBy Dallas Sub SailorI don’t think anyone including the authors would claim that The Pope of Physics is great literature. It isn’t; but it is well written; easy to read and extraordinarily interesting. Enrico Fermi was one of the great men of physics during the 20th century. His friends and coworker gave him the nickname of the Pope because when it came to physics; his pronouncements were infallible. Fermi ranks right up there with Albert Einstein; Niels Bohr and Marie Curie. Fermi was awarded the Nobel Prize for physics in 1938. He immigrated to the United States from Italy later that same year. Because his wife was Jewish; their children would also have been classified as Jewish. It was not safe for Fermi and his family to remain in Italy after the alliance with Germany became a fait accompli.When Fermi first came to America; he became a physics professor at Columbia. A few years later in 1942; Fermi led a team of scientists that developed the first successful nuclear reactor. The reactor went critical on December 2; 1942. It was the first self-sustaining controlled nuclear reaction ever. Fermi’s contributions to the Manhattan Project were invaluable. He was one of the few physicists that excelled both theoretically and experimentally. He did not shrink from hard work or literally getting his hands dirty. Fermi led by example both at the chalkboard and in the lab.As a young man back in the 1960s; I served aboard the U.S; Navy’s FBM (Fleet Ballistic Missile) submarines. Each sub carried sixteen Polaris missiles. Each of the missiles was armed with a thermonuclear weapon; much more powerful than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The subs were also armed with the latest and most effective torpedoes. Some were nuclear tipped. At the time; these submarines were the most deadly weapons systems on earth. With only a few minutes notice; we could launch our missiles from the oceans depths; without fear of detection. That is an example of the destructive side of nuclear power. These weapon systems served the country well for many years as a deterrent against potential surprise attacks. Thankfully; we never had to launch our missiles or fire our torpedoes.But there is another side to nuclear power; a peaceful side. The subs were powered by nuclear reactors. Basically; the reactors are a source of heat. Without going into too much detail; the heat from the reactor (and there was a lot of it) is used to generate steam. The subs are actually propelled by steam turbines; which is why a nuclear sub can remain submerged almost indefinitely or at least until the food runs out. There was no need to surface to take on fuel. We could make our own oxygen and drinking water while submerged; but not food.In the U.S. today; about twenty percent of our electrical power comes from nuclear power. In France; that number is almost 75 percent. Nuclear power; when properly designed; sited and operated is safe; efficient and clean. There are no greenhouse gases. Enrico Fermi not only helped design “the bomb.” He is also one of the fathers nuclear energy for peace.After the war; Fermi accepted a teaching position at the University of Chicago. Six of his students went on to win the Nobel Prize. Also; one of his Italian students went on to become a Nobel laureate. That is quite a record.R.I.P. Enrico Fermi.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Book about Fermi and much moreBy CustomerI completed training to become a radiographer some time ago. The physics portion included many of the molecular/atomic exchanges that occurred when x-ray images are taken. The lessons provided depth and insight to the actions consequent to the mere touch of the exposure button on the x-ray tube; truly fascinating. "The Pope of Physics" transcended this amazement by bringing to life the discoverers of said reactions. The book enables a time travel to the formative years of numerous physics building blocks. Sengre breathes life into the marvel of it all. One feels present as the scientists discuss their theories and experiments. What a great read!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. They were GREAT teachers. The stories in the book discuss most ...By Eugene EismanIt brings me back to my days at the University of Chicago. At the university ALL professors are required to teach beginners courses. Fermi was teaching first year physics the year before I became a freshman. I did have Anderon; one of his associates; when I took physics. Harold C Urey taught my wife first year chemistry. They were GREAT teachers. The stories in the book discuss most of Fermi's associates; and although I thought I knew about the building of the pile in the west stands; the book corrected many of my misconceptions.