How is energy obtained from atoms?

There are a lot of strong forces in the nuclei of atoms, which keep the particles together. There are two ways to release the energy hidden in the atomic nuclei. We can fuse them with one another, as occurs in the core of the stars, or we can split them, which is done in at nuclear power plants. To split an atom to release energy, a chain reaction is required in a reactor. Many people consider the atomic power plants also called nuclear power plants dangerous because radioactive material is released in this process.