how can splitting a tiny piece of an even tinier atom create such a vast explosion?

Question

how can splitting a tiny piece of an even tinier atom create such a vast explosion?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Even though they are tiny, the amount of energy holding those atoms together is really strong (relatively). When the atom is split that energy is released. Lots of atoms get split in an almost instant chain reaction, lots of energy gets released, and boom!