Answer:
Breaking an atom refers to a process called nuclear fission, which involves splitting the nucleus of an atom into smaller nuclei. This is typically accomplished by bombarding the atom with a neutron, which causes the nucleus to become unstable and split apart, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This energy is what is harnessed in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. However, it should be noted that nuclear fission can also have potentially harmful effects, such as the release of radioactive material and the potential for nuclear accidents.