Atomic Energy — Source of Energy in Nuclear Explosions In an atomic explosion, the enormous energy released is mainly due to:

Introduction / Context:
Nuclear explosions (fission or fusion) release energy far beyond chemical reactions. Understanding why requires Einstein’s relation E = m * c^2, which links mass loss to enormous energy output. This principle underlies both nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Nuclear processes involve changes in binding energy of nuclei.
• Small differences in mass (mass defect) occur between reactants and products.
• Speed of light, c, is very large, so even tiny mass loss produces huge energy.

Concept / Approach:
During fission, a heavy nucleus splits into smaller fragments; during fusion, light nuclei combine. In both, the total mass of products is slightly less than that of reactants. The “missing” mass converts to energy as dictated by E = m * c^2. This is neither a chemical process nor a transformation of mechanical energy; it is a nuclear-level mass-to-energy conversion.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Energy per nucleon change in fission/fusion is orders of magnitude higher than in chemical bonds, consistent only with nuclear binding energy differences tied to mass defect.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• conversion of chemical energy into heat energy: Chemical reactions cannot account for nuclear yields.
• conversion of mechanical energy into nuclear energy: Mechanically impossible description.
• conversion of neutrons into protons: Beta processes may occur but are not the main energy source in an explosion.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the mechanism (mass defect) with byproducts like heat and radiation. Heat is a result, not the fundamental source.

Final Answer:
conversion of mass into energy