In chemistry, ATOM is the smallest particle of matter. later on, was the discovery of subatomic particles which was smaller than atom. But then, atom was still considered as the smallest particle of matter.
2006-11-03 15:52:26 · 9 answers · asked by john 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Obviously, an atom isn't the smallest particle since they are composed of sub-atomic particles. An atom however is the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element. Once you go beyond an atom of any element, the components no longer keep the properties of that element.
2006-11-03 16:13:52 · answer #1 · answered by Spaghetti Cat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smallest Particles
2016-11-09 22:43:43 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Atom originally meant the smallest particle. As science learns more it has to change the terminology a bit, but now that they think quarks exist (maybe, maybe not) or stings exist, or super-strings exist, it would noy make sense to keep changing the meaning of atom. Second answer is correct with the exception of hydrogen. A single proton is still a nucleus of hydrogen, although an ion.
2006-11-03 16:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a matter of semantics.
The textbooks are still trying to catch up to developments. And who's going to agree on what's fundamental? Is it the quark, the muon, the electron?
The atom brings the subatomic particles all together.
Rock on witcha bad self, atom!
2006-11-03 15:56:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An atom is considered "the smallest particle of a chemical element that retains its chemical properties." That means that an atom of gold is still gold, an atom of lead is still lead, etc. There's no such thing as a proton of gold or a quark of gold.
2006-11-03 15:55:01 · answer #5 · answered by Amy F 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The atom is the smallest particle matter can be reduced to.
2006-11-04 05:05:27 · answer #6 · answered by imsurroundedbyidiots 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From a chemical reaction point of view, you can smash things down into atoms, and then make your products from there. Under the conditions that chemistry is cocerned with, the atoms cannont be broken down, and will stay the same.
To break atoms, and reform them into new ones require fairly extreme conditions, certainly more extreme than any chemistry lab I've ever been in.
2006-11-03 16:23:44 · answer #7 · answered by tgypoi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well it is
a particle means the least possible amount.
you cant make elements from just electrons, protons, or neutrons. you have to have all three and then you have an atom.
so an atom is the smallest particle that can make up an element.
2006-11-03 16:00:09 · answer #8 · answered by RichUnclePennybags 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I guess because electrons, protons & neutrons cannot exist by themselves. They seek out each other to form atoms.
2006-11-03 15:54:12 · answer #9 · answered by Dave 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋