What significant discovery is associated with Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann?

The significant discovery associated with Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann is nuclear fission. This discovery, made in the early 20th century, involved the process by which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a substantial amount of energy. This phenomenon was pivotal in the development of nuclear energy and weapons, fundamentally altering the landscape of physics and chemistry.

Hahn and Strassmann's experiments focused on uranium, where they observed that when bombarded with neutrons, the uranium nuclei split, releasing energy and additional neutrons. This process demonstrated the potential for a chain reaction, laying the groundwork for both peaceful applications in energy production and military applications in weaponry. The implications of their work have been profound, leading to various advancements in science and technology throughout the 20th century and beyond.