What type of energy is released when atoms split?

The release of energy when atoms split is primarily associated with nuclear reactions, specifically nuclear fission. During fission, the nucleus of an atom is divided into smaller nuclei, along with the release of a significant amount of energy. This energy is a result of the strong nuclear forces that hold the nucleus together; when the nucleus is split, the binding energy that held it as a single entity is released, resulting in nuclear potential energy.

This type of energy is substantial because the amount of energy released during nuclear fission is much greater than that released in chemical reactions, making it a powerful source for applications like nuclear power. Additionally, nuclear potential energy is distinct from other forms of energy mentioned in the choices, such as chemical potential energy, which pertains to the energy stored in chemical bonds, or gravitational potential energy, which relates to the height of an object above the ground, and electrical kinetic energy, which pertains to the movement of charged particles. Therefore, the correct identification of the energy associated with nuclear splitting as nuclear potential energy reflects a fundamental understanding of the principles of nuclear physics.