While the question "Who split the atom?" is commonly asked, it's important to understand what that actually means. It often refers to the first artificial nuclear reaction.
According to provided information, Ernest Rutherford is credited with achieving the first artificial nuclear reaction in 1917 at the University of Manchester. He essentially "split the atom" in a laboratory setting.
- The University of Manchester is considered the birthplace of nuclear physics.
- This event took place 100 years prior to 2017.
Therefore, the answer is Ernest Rutherford.
