Eli5: Why does splitting an atom cause such a giant explosion?

Question

Where does all the energy come from?

In: 10

Answer 1

Splitting a *lot* of atoms releases a lot of energy.

Just like burning one molecule of gasoline does nothing, splitting one atom of uranium does nothing.

Burning a gallon of gasoline releases a lot of energy. Splitting thirty pounds of uranium will destroy a town.

The energy comes from forces within the nucleus. One force holds it together, while another tried to push it apart. By splitting it, we allow that repulsive force to violently fling the nucleus apart, and release a ton of energy.