Atomic bombs are powerful weapons that release energy through nuclear reactions, specifically fission, where the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts. This process generates an immense amount of energy, resulting in a massive explosion. The first atomic bombs were developed during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. The use of atomic bombs in warfare occurred in 1945 when the United States dropped them on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These bombings led to significant destruction and loss of life, ultimately contributing to the end of World War II. The aftermath raised ethical questions about nuclear weapons and their impact on humanity.