Question

On what principle does the atomic bomb work?

Hint:

It involves splitting a heavy atomic nucleus, not joining two nuclei.

Answer 1

Step 1: Recall the basic idea.
An atomic bomb releases a huge amount of energy from the nucleus of an atom.
Step 2: Identify the process.
This energy release happens through nuclear fission, in which a heavy unstable nucleus, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, splits into smaller nuclei when struck by a neutron.
Step 3: Why so much energy is released.
When the nucleus splits, it also releases more neutrons along with a very large amount of energy, and these neutrons go on to split more nuclei, creating a chain reaction.
Step 4: The final answer.
The correct answer is nuclear fission.