eli5 – How did scientists bombard uranium with neutrons?

Question

In 1938, how did the scientists bombard uranium with neutrons ( what device did they set up ), and how did they know they split the uranium atom?

I know I am just one of a million asking nuclear physics questions after the release of Oppenheimer, but I am just curious

In: 107

Answer 1

In the 1930s they had linear accelerators that would shoot hydrogen or helium nuclei into metal foil targets. The particle collisions would split off neutrons, which could collide with uranium on the other side of the foil target.