“Lise Meitner : Mother of atomic bomb”

PROJECT REPORT

Submitted

By
Nirali upadhyay

With
Mr . Prashik puroshotam
As Guide

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Indore

2022-23
 Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Indore

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the report entitled “ Lise Meitner

: Mother of atomic bomb” is a satisfactory account of
project work based on the syllabus carried out by
Ms. Nirali upadhyay . It may be accepted as a
partial fulfilment of the internal assessment.

External Examiner Project Guide

Principal
 MOTHER OF THE ATOMIC BOMB WHO
NEVER WON A NOBEL PRIZE

Lise Meitner developed the theory of

nuclear fission, the process that
enabled the atomic bomb. But her
identity — Jewish and a woman —
barred her from sharing credit for
the discovery, newly translated
letters show.

Lise Meitner, an Austrian-Swedish physicist born in

Vienna in 1878, emerged as a trailblazing figure in the
world of nuclear physics. Despite facing gender-based
discrimination in her early career, Meitner's brilliance
and determination propelled her to the forefront of
scientific discovery.

Meitner's groundbreaking collaboration with German

chemist Otto Hahn in the late 1930s proved to be a
turning point in the understanding of nuclear fission. In
their experiments, they bombarded uranium nuclei
with neutrons, leading to unexpected results—
elements lighter than uranium were produced. This
perplexing observation set the stage for one of the
most significant scientific breakthroughs of the 20th
century.

Having fled Nazi Germany in 1938 due to her Jewish

heritage, Meitner continued her research in Sweden. It
was there that, together with her nephew Otto Frisch,
she provided the theoretical explanation for the
phenomenon observed by Hahn and Fritz Strassmann:
nuclear fission. Their groundbreaking interpretation
clarified that the uranium nucleus had split into two,
releasing energy and additional neutrons. This
revelation not only advanced scientific knowledge but
also laid the groundwork for the development of
nuclear technology.

Despite her pivotal role in the discovery, Meitner did

not share the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to
Hahn in 1944. The oversight has been widely
criticized, with many acknowledging the unfair
treatment of Meitner. Nevertheless, her legacy extends
beyond accolades, as she left an indelible mark on the
scientific community through her intellect,
perseverance, and contributions to nuclear physics.

Meitner's work not only shaped the understanding of

nuclear processes but also had far-reaching
implications in the realms of energy and weaponry.
Her name became synonymous with scientific integrity
and resilience, as she triumphed over adversity and
continued to contribute significantly to her field
despite the challenges she faced.

In later years, Lise Meitner received numerous honors

and recognition for her pioneering work, posthumously
solidifying her status as one of the most influential
physicists of her time. Her story serves as an
inspiration, highlighting the importance of
perseverance, courage, and intellectual curiosity in the
pursuit of scientific knowledge.
 HER WORK

Lise Meitner made significant contributions to the field

of nuclear physics, and her most notable work revolves
around the discovery and understanding of nuclear
fission. Here are key aspects of her contributions:

• Discovery of Nuclear Fission: In collaboration

with Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann in late 1938,
Meitner played a pivotal role in the discovery of
nuclear fission. Through their experiments, they
observed that bombarding uranium nuclei with
neutrons resulted in the production of elements
lighter than uranium, indicating a process beyond
simple radioactive decay. Meitner and her nephew,
Otto Frisch, provided the theoretical explanation
for this phenomenon, elucidating the concept of
nuclear fission
• Theoretical Explanation: Meitner and Frisch
correctly interpreted the experimental results,
explaining that the uranium nucleus had split into
two roughly equal parts, releasing energy and
additional neutrons. This groundbreaking
theoretical work laid the foundation for
understanding the principles behind nuclear fission
reactions, paving the way for both peaceful and
military applications of atomic energy.
• Collaboration with Otto Hahn: Meitner's
collaboration with Otto Hahn was crucial to their
joint success in the discovery of nuclear fission.
Despite facing challenges such as Meitner's forced
emigration from Nazi Germany due to her Jewish
heritage, their partnership demonstrated the
importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in
scientific breakthroughs.
• Post-Fission Research: After the discovery of
nuclear fission, Meitner continued her research in
Sweden. She contributed to further understanding
the properties of fission products and the
characteristics of neutron-induced reactions. Her
work had implications not only for nuclear physics
but also for the emerging field of nuclear
technology.
• Legacy and Recognition: While Otto Hahn
received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1944 for
the discovery of nuclear fission, Meitner was not
 included in the award. Despite this oversight, her
contributions have been increasingly
acknowledged over time, and Meitner has
posthumously received recognition for her pivotal
role in one of the most significant scientific
discoveries of the 20th century.
Lise Meitner's work laid the groundwork for
advancements in nuclear physics and technology, and
her legacy continues to inspire scientists, particularly
women in science, highlighting the importance of
perseverance and intellectual contributions in the face
of adversity.