When a atom explodes where does it go?

Answer 1

Dear Wiki Questioner,

In a Nuclear Explosion, atoms are either split apart into smaller atoms (fission reactions) or are fused together into larger atoms (fusion reactions). In both cases, some of the mass of the original atom(s) is converted into energy, which is responsible for the destructive nature of an atomic Bomb, and the productive nature of a nuclear reactor.

In a Fission reaction, a large unstable atom splits apart into multiple stable atoms, some free atomic particles, and a large amount of free energy (in the form of electromagnetic radiation and the kinetic energy of the resulting atoms!). If you add up the mass of the resulting atoms and free atomic particles, you find that it is less than the mass you started with! The missing mass was converted into the free energy that you end up with. You can calculate just how much energy was released by solving Einstein's famous equation:

E=mc^2

Where 'E' is the energy released (in units of Joules)

'm' is the amount of mass that is missing (in kilograms)

and 'c' is the speed of light (which is about 3*10^8 meters per second)

In a Fusion bomb, multiple small atoms are brought so closely together that the Strong Nuclear force binds them all together into a larger atom. In this case there is also mass missing in the end! Just as in the fission process, the missing mass was converted into energy (and we can use the E=mc^2 equation to calculate just how much energy was released if we know how much mass was lost).

Answer 2

when an explosive detonates, it is converted to more stable compounds, mostly gases. So this conversion of highly unstable explosive to stable compounds results in the release of large amount of heat.