How to Split an Atom

Atoms can gain or lose energy when an electron transits from a higher to a lower orbit around the nucleus. Splitting the nucleus of an atom, however, releases considerably more energy than that of an electron returning to a lower orbit from a higher one, energy that can be put to destructive use or peaceful and productive purposes. Splitting an atom is called nuclear fission, a process that was discovered in 1938; the repeated splitting of atoms in fission is called a chain reaction. While most people do not have the equipment to do this, if you've ever been curious how it's done, here's an overview.