Final answer:
The energy source that involves splitting atomic nuclei to heat water is nuclear fission, utilized in nuclear reactors to generate electricity by creating steam to drive turbines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of energy source that involves the splitting apart of atomic nuclei to heat up water is known as nuclear fission. In a nuclear reactor, this process occurs when a neutron collides with a large, heavy atom such as uranium, causing the atom to split into smaller atoms.
The splitting of the atom releases more neutrons and a large amount of energy. The released energy is then used to convert water into steam, which subsequently drives turbines to generate electricity. This method of electricity generation is distinct from nuclear fusion, which involves joining smaller nuclei into larger ones.
Nuclear fission is the type of energy source that involves the splitting apart of atomic nuclei in order to heat up water.
In a nuclear reactor, a chain reaction occurs when a neutron collides with a large atom, causing it to split into smaller pieces and releasing a large amount of energy. This energy is used to heat water, which then converts to steam and drives turbines to generate electricity.