Final answer:
An atomic operation is an operation in computer science that is indivisible and cannot be interrupted or interfered with. It ensures that multiple threads or processes do not interfere with each other when accessing shared resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
An atomic operation in the context of computer science refers to an operation that is indivisible and cannot be interrupted or interfered with. It is an operation that is executed as a single, uninterruptible unit. This concept is important in concurrent programming to ensure that multiple threads or processes do not interfere with each other when accessing shared resources.
For example, consider a scenario where two threads are incrementing a shared variable by one. Without atomic operations, it is possible for one thread to read the value of the variable, perform an operation, and then be interrupted by the second thread, which would also read the initial value and perform its own operation. As a result, both threads would write back the same value to the variable, leading to a race condition. By using an atomic operation, such as an atomic increment, the operation will be executed without interruption, ensuring that the value is incremented correctly.
In the context of atomic physics, an atomic operation can refer to a process that involves no interruption or interference. For example, in the atomic bomb, the fissionable material is held apart to prevent a chain reaction from occurring. When the pieces are brought together suddenly, a critical mass is reached, resulting in an atomic explosion immediately.