The social imaginary of the atomic energy in Spanish textbooks of Physics and Chemistry: analysis of a specific language

Abstract

This article analyzes the specific language used to impart nuclear and atomic lessons in Spanish Physics & Chemistry textbooks during the second half of the 20th century.

The social imaginary of nuclear energy experienced a major evolution throughout this period. Initial enthusiasm for atomic power gave way to doubts about the safety and usefulness. This transformation can be identified through the change in the specific language used by the textbooks.

In early years, atomic research was described with language that invoked images of war, coupled with the use of religious expressions and a lot of exaggerated estimates of potential nuclear energy. Young students formed an imaginary of nuclear energy based on the Physics & Chemistry textbooks in use at the time.