What are nuclear reactions?

Nuclear reactions are when tiny particles inside atoms get really excited and change shape or even swap places, causing big energy changes.

Imagine you have a group of kids playing in a classroom. Each kid represents a particle inside an atom. Now, if the teacher shouts "Time for a surprise!" the kids might suddenly jump up and run to different corners of the room, that's like what happens during a nuclear reaction.

In some cases, atoms can be like party guests who decide to switch places or even split into two groups. This change makes them release energy, just like when you blow out birthday candles and feel warm air around your face.

Sometimes the energy is so strong it feels like fireworks, that’s what happens in a nuclear power plant or during an explosion.

If atoms are happy, they might join together, making new kinds of atoms. If they're angry, they might break apart and send out particles flying everywhere, just like when you throw a big tantrum and everything gets scattered around the room.