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Atoms are incredibly important in the world in which we live in. (See chemistry section for more information on how atoms are composed.) When atoms are heated to a certain temperature, they begin to collide. When they have enough energy, they split. This splitting causes heat energy to be released. This reaction is called NUCLEAR FISSION. When this is done a few at a time, then useful energy is created. This is called a CONTROLLED REACTION. When hundreds of atoms are split every second, then huge amounts of energy and light are released (i.e. an atomic explosion), and this is called an UNCONTROLLED REACTION. When atoms are exposed to a very large heat source (e.g. the sun), then they get enough energy to fuse (join with) other atoms, and create heat and light energy. This reaction is called NUCLEAR FUSION. Nuclear fission is used in atomic reactors and bombs, and nuclear fusion has not been invented synthetically yet. See the link to the right for instructions on how to make an atom bomb. RADIOACTIVE means that the substance gives off RADIATION, a substance found with atoms that are able to be split easily. Atoms contain tremendous power. If a mere 5kg of uranium (a radioactive material) was thrown together, then it would completely vaporise 2 square kilometers of land. |
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