Why was Einstein disturbed with the discovery of "nuclear fission"?

Introduction:
Nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy. This process was discovered in 1938 by Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann, and its potential for energy generation was immediately recognized.

Reasons for Einstein's disturbance:
Albert Einstein was disturbed by the discovery of nuclear fission for several reasons:

1. Fear of misuse: Einstein had written a letter to President Roosevelt in 1939, warning him of the possibility of Germany developing an atomic bomb. He feared that the discovery of nuclear fission could lead to the creation of a devastating weapon of mass destruction.

2. Ethical concerns: Einstein was a pacifist and believed that the use of nuclear weapons was morally wrong. He was concerned about the destructive power of the atomic bomb and its potential to cause immense suffering.

3. Responsibility: Einstein felt a sense of responsibility for the discovery of nuclear fission, as his famous equation E=mc² had shown that matter and energy were interchangeable. He believed that scientists had a responsibility to ensure that their discoveries were used for the betterment of humanity, rather than for destructive purposes.

4. Collaboration: Einstein had worked closely with nuclear physicist Leo Szilard, who had also warned of the dangers of nuclear weapons. Together, they had proposed the creation of a nuclear reactor that could generate energy without the need for uranium enrichment. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the Manhattan Project, which was focused on creating an atomic bomb.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Einstein was disturbed by the discovery of nuclear fission due to his fear of misuse, ethical concerns, sense of responsibility, and collaboration with other scientists who shared his concerns. His warnings about the dangers of nuclear weapons have continued to resonate, and his legacy as a scientist and activist remains an important part of our history.

The American physicists were disturbed by the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin because they knew its destructive power. They were afraid that German would make an atom bomb and use it for destructive purposes. ... Einstein wrote a letter to Franklin Roosevelt when the Nazis in Germany discovered Nuclear fission.