While atoms themselves are considered indestructible, it is the nucleus of an atom that can be split in a process known as nuclear fission. The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons, which are held together by the strong nuclear force. However, under certain conditions, the nucleus can be split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.
Nuclear fission is typically achieved by bombarding a heavy nucleus, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, with a neutron. When a nucleus absorbs a neutron, it becomes unstable and undergoes fission, breaking into two smaller nuclei and releasing additional neutrons and a large amount of energy. These released neutrons can then collide with other nuclei, triggering a chain reaction and releasing more energy and additional neutrons.
It is important to note that nuclear fission does not destroy the atoms themselves but rather changes their composition by splitting the nucleus. The resulting smaller nuclei are indeed different atoms, but the total number of protons and neutrons remains conserved. The energy released in this process is a result of the conversion of a small portion of the mass of the original nucleus into energy, according to Einstein's famous equation E=mc².
In nuclear power plants, the energy released from nuclear fission is harnessed to generate electricity. Controlled chain reactions are maintained within the reactor, and the released energy is used to heat water, produce steam, and drive turbines connected to generators.
So, while the individual atoms are not destroyed, the splitting of the atomic nucleus through nuclear fission allows scientists to extract and utilize the immense energy stored within them.