An atom is the basic building block of all matter [2] [3].

It is the smallest unit of matter that

forms a chemical element and cannot be divided using any chemical means [3]. Here are
some key components of an atom:

● Nucleus: The nucleus, located at the center of the atom, contains protons and
neutrons [3]. Protons are positively charged, while neutrons have no charge [3]. So,
the nucleus carries a net positive charge [3].
● Electrons: Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in
electron shells [3]. Electrons orbit very quickly, so while they feel attraction to
protons, the two don’t stick to each other [3]. The electrons organize into shells that
maximize the stability of the atom [3].

Most of the atom is empty space [2]. The rest consists of three basic types of subatomic
particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons [2]. The protons and neutrons form the atom’s
central nucleus [2]. The nucleus is small and dense compared with the electrons, which are
the lightest charged particles in nature [2]. The electrons circle the nucleus in orbital paths
called shells, each of which holds only a certain number of electrons [2].

Atoms can combine with other atoms to form molecules but cannot be divided into smaller
parts by ordinary chemical processes [2]. Every solid, liquid, gas, and plasma consists of
neutral or ionized atoms [3].

Source: Conversation with Bing, 19/5/2024

1. Atom | Definition, Structure, History, Examples, Diagram, & Facts

2. What Is an Atom? Atom Definition - Science Notes and Projects
3. https://bing.com/search?q=what+is+atom
4. Atom - Wikipedia
5. What is an atom ? | NRC.gov
6. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/
7. Getty Images