ABSTRACT

There has been much public discussion as to whether or not atomic bombs can start a nuclear chain reaction in the atmosphere. Similarly, since the planning of Navy atomic tests, many thoughtful scientists have expressed concern about the possibility of a chain reaction in water. It appears that atomic bombs of present construction are safe by enormous margins against igniting either the atmosphere or the water or the earth. There are good reasons to believe that even any conceivable future improvements of the bombs will still be safe in this respect.

中文翻译：

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1946年：空气或水会爆炸吗？

摘要

关于原子弹是否可以在大气中引发核连锁反应，已经有许多公众讨论。同样，自从海军进行原子弹试验计划以来，许多有思想的科学家都对水中发生连锁反应的可能性表示关注。看来，目前构造的原子弹在防止点燃大气层，水域或地球方面具有巨大的安全性。有充分的理由相信，就此而言，即使可以想到的炸弹的任何未来改进都将是安全的。