What major scientific achievement is associated with the work of physicists Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer?

The work of physicists Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer is primarily associated with the development of nuclear physics, particularly the concept of splitting an atom, which was pivotal in the creation of the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer is best known for his role as the scientific director of the Manhattan Project, where the first nuclear weapons were developed during World War II. While Einstein did not directly work on the bomb's development, his theories, especially around mass-energy equivalence expressed in the equation E=mc², provided the foundational understanding necessary for nuclear fission, which is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus to release energy.

Their contributions marked a significant turning point in science and warfare, leading to unprecedented advancements in energy production as well as ethical and moral debates about the use of such technology. This context highlights the relevance of their work to the historical and scientific narrative regarding atomic energy and warfare.