Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Nonfiction | Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2012

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Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Multiple Choice

1. B (Chapter 2)

2. B (Chapter 3)

3. D (Chapter 4)

4. A (Chapter 11)

5. C (Chapters 15, 19)

6. C (Chapter 17)

7. A (Chapter 21)

8. D (Chapter 23)

9. D (Various chapters)

10. D (Chapter 28)

11. B (Chapters 33, 34)

12. B (Epilogue)

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Long Answer

1. The Soviets felt they needed atomic weapons to defeat the invading German forces. They also wanted a bomb in case of trouble later with the US. (Chapter 7)

2. Heavy water helps regulate neutron emissions that convert uranium into bomb material. The Germans overlooked graphite as an alternative because it was suggested by a Jewish scientist. Thus, without heavy water, the German atomic bomb program couldn’t proceed. (Chapter 9)

3. Oppenheimer persisted in campaigning for complete nuclear disarmament. This made US officials, who were in the thrall of the Red Scare, decide that Oppenheimer must be a traitor. (Epilogue)