Why does splitting an atom create energy? And why is it so much energy?

Question

Why does splitting an atom create energy? And why is it so much energy?

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Answer 1

It takes a lot of energy to bind subatomic particles together to form an atom. When an atom becomes unstable, it can “split” into two smaller atoms. The subatomic particles separate to form two smaller atoms, but there’s some of that binding energy left over. That’s what gets released, and it’s very strong. Do this millions of times and ka-boom.