Our Friend the Atom

This is a Disney film explaining how atomic energy can be used as a power source. Each element has a different atom. Heinz Haber shows us uranium, a radioactive element. Einstein showed that mass can be converted to energy when atoms are split. A single proton can start a chain reaction. Chain reactions can be controlled by reactors and used to make electricity. Someday our coal and oil will run out. This is Disney, and so science and fantasy are combined. A cartoon fisherman harnesses a magical genie to represent mankind harnessing atomic power. This film was made during an era when there was great enthusiasm for atomic energy. Its application has proved to be a long, arduous process. Sort of like putting a man on Mars!