THE ULTIMATE WEAPON TAKES SHAPE

Enrico Fermi designed a device that could eventuate in a chain reaction. It cons
isted of layers of graphite, alternated with chunks of uranium. The uranium emit
ted neutrons, and the graphite slowed them down. Holes were left for long cadmiu
m safety rods. By withdrawing those control rods Fermi could speed up the produc
tion of neutrons, thus increasing the number of uranium atoms that would be spli
t (fission). When the rods were withdrawn to a critical point, then the neutrons
would be produced so fast that the graphite and cadmium could not absorb them.
In that manner a chain reaction would result. Slowly, Fermi's first atomic pile
began to grow in a subterranean room at Columbia University. The big question re
mainedwas it viable?
ultimate

eventuate

6. ultimate
7. eventuate
8. emit
9. subterranean
10. viable

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

emit

subterranean

viable

underground
final
practicable, workable
to give off
to result finally

TODAY'S IDIOM
the lion's share the major portion
Because the salesman was essential to the business, he demanded the lion's share
of the profits.

6. b

7. e

8. d

9. a

10. c