Question: how atoms split and explode

Lucien Heurtier answered on 24 Mar 2026:

Well, atoms are made of small particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons stick together to form the nucleus of the atom, and electrons turn around the nucleus, as they feel attracted to it just like magnets are attracted to your fridge. To split atoms, you need to kick them with enough energy to either help those electrons escape the attraction of the nucleus, or smash the nucleus itself with a lot more energy to manage to separate neutrons and protons, but that’s not easy, that’s basically what nuclear power plants are doing!