Lesson 1-4 - Nuclear Fusion
What Is It?
Wiktionary defines nuclear fusion as, "The combining of the nuclei
of small atoms to form the nuclei of larger ones, with a resulting
release of large quantities of energy; the process that makes the sun
shine, and hydrogen bomb explode." Okay, now that your head is spinning,
pay close attention.
To put it basically, every molecule has a nucleus. Nuclear fusion is,
surprise surprise, the fusion of multiple nuclei, or, in a simpler term,
the combination. This combination causes large amounts of energy to be
given off, seen in things like starlight and nuclear bombs.
There's a ridiculous amount of math and logic that go along with this,
but I'm pretty sure only two or three people will ever bother to read
these lessons, so I won't get into it. If you major in physics, you'll
learn the proofs there; for now, just take Figure 1-10 as your proof.
Figure 1-10
In War
Just as interesting as the creation of nuclear reactions is their
uses. As mentioned before, nuclear fusion can be used in a wide array of
ways, ranging from the stars up above to Nagasaki down below. In war and
love, several 'strategies' and theories have evolved.
Assured destruction is a form of
blackmail, where one threatens the other against the use of nuclear
bombs, or any action, with an assurance that any attack will result in
both sides being completely obliterated. This has been developed in game
theory, and was satirized in the Kubrick film Dr. Strangelove.
The death penalty also falls into this category as a deterrent against
crime. Many psychologists have argued against the idea of MAD, claiming
that it is either irrational or ineffective.
The next strategy is nothing like MAD,
and even sets out to completely contradict the basis of the former. In
strategic bombing, it is assumed that a.) only a limited amount of
weapons will be used and b.) no weapon has the capacity for complete
destruction. This theory is most like modern warfare, as it requires
more skill in maneuvering than force.
Strategy number three revolves around a
strong intelligence program, and requires both the knowledge to locate
nuclear stockpiles of the enemy and the ability to reach them. In
nuclear utilization target selection (NUTS), one takes it upon oneself
to destroy as much of the enemy's nuclear weapons as possible, thus
protecting against MAD.
The last strategy is less of a strategy
and more of a mutual-defense idea. In 'no first use,' all parties
involved agree to never take a preemptive strike. In theory, this would
make it impossible for any nuclear weapons to ever be used, the most
desirable situation. However, what looks good on paper doesn't always
translate well into the real world. Mistrust and dishonesty make this
plan imperfect, though it is, admittedly, the best anyone has yet to
come up with.
Good leadership and the desire-to-live
got us through the Cold War without being vaporized, and, with a prayer
and some good luck, it will continue to do so in the future.
Atomic Bombs in Godfellas
You're probably thinking, "What does nuclear war have to do with
Futurama?" Well, somebody's been abusing the later episodes. In the
season 3 Godfellas, a tiny civilization of creatures called
Shrimpkins makes Bender's chest its new home. They prosper in their
agrarian society, and it is not until Bender (their god) intervenes that
things start to go downhill.
The idea presented in this episode is
somewhat ironic, as it is a complete contradiction of the most widely
accepted creation story, that of Adam and Eve. In Genesis, things are
perfect under the complete control of God, and it is not until the
humans grow too independent that their paradise is ruined. We get into
more detail on this in chapter four.
Back to life under the Metal Lord.
Bender, needing alcohol to survive, makes barely growth and processing
the most important task for the Shrimpkins. This causes a rise in
pollution, crime, and poverty. Things get worse and worse, until the
creatures split, and a Holy War is started.
"Fear not my Lord; we shall be with you
soon," Malachi says, preparing to retaliate against the unbelievers on
Bender's backside, who got into his nuclear stockpile. Both sides send
off all of their weapons, and, as to be expected, both sides are
converted into radioactive vapor.
Figure 1-11 shows the 'first strike' of
nuclear weapons, and Figure 1-12 shows the retaliation strike. In a
twisted mixture of MAD and strategic bombing, both sides are totally
wiped out, as shown in Figure 1-13.
Figure 1-11
Figure 1-12
Figure 1-13
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Futurama Textbook