When atoms undergo a process called nuclear fission, where they are split in half, it can indeed result in a release of a significant amount of energy, often in the form of a powerful explosion. This phenomenon is primarily due to the principles of nuclear physics and the relationship between mass and energy described by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc².
The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons, tightly bound together by the strong nuclear force. In certain isotopes, the nucleus is relatively unstable, and if it absorbs a neutron, it can become even more unstable. When such an unstable nucleus is bombarded by a neutron, it may undergo fission, splitting into two smaller nuclei.
During the fission process, a tremendous amount of energy is released. This is because the total mass of the resulting nuclei is slightly less than the original nucleus. According to Einstein's equation, this decrease in mass results in a significant release of energy. The energy is in the form of kinetic energy of the two smaller nuclei, as well as the kinetic energy of the ejected neutrons and gamma radiation.
Furthermore, during fission, additional neutrons are typically released. These neutrons can cause a chain reaction by colliding with other unstable nuclei, leading to further fission events and the release of more energy. This chain reaction is what contributes to the large-scale release of energy in nuclear explosions.
It is important to note that the size of the atom itself doesn't determine the magnitude of the explosion. Instead, it is the specific properties and instability of certain isotopes that can lead to such a significant release of energy when they undergo nuclear fission.