what is an atom?

Answer 1

A(no) TOMO(cut) Something you cannot cut anymore in Greek

Answer 2

In chemistry and physics, an atom (Greek ἄτομος or átomos meaning "indivisible") is the smallest particle of a chemical element that retains its chemical properties. (Since until the advent of quantum mechanics dividing a material object was invariably equated with cutting it, átomos is usually translated as "indivisible".) Whereas the word atom originally denoted a particle that cannot be cut into smaller particles, the atoms of modern parlance are composed of subatomic particles:

* electrons, which have a negative charge, a size which is so small as to be currently unmeasurable, and which are the least heavy (i.e., massive) of the three;
* protons, which have a positive charge, and are about 1836 times more massive than electrons; and
* neutrons, which have no charge, and are about 1838 times more massive than electrons.

Protons and neutrons make up a dense, massive atomic nucleus, and are collectively called nucleons. The electrons form the much larger electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.

Atoms can differ in the number of each of the subatomic particles they contain. Atoms of the same element have the same number of protons (called the atomic number). Within a single element, the number of neutrons may vary, determining the isotope of that element. The number of electrons associated with an atom is most easily changed, due to the lower energy of binding of electrons. The number of protons (and neutrons) in the atomic nucleus may also change, via nuclear fusion, nuclear fission or radioactive decay, in which case the atom is no longer the same element it was.

Atoms are electrically neutral if they have an equal number of protons and electrons. Atoms which have either a deficit or a surplus of electrons are called ions. Electrons that are furthest from the nucleus may be transferred to other nearby atoms or shared between atoms. By this mechanism atoms are able to bond into molecules and other types of chemical compounds like ionic and covalent network crystals.

Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of chemistry, and are conserved in chemical reactions.

Answer 3

The smallest particle into which an element can be divided and still retain its chemical properties.

Solids at a particle level
Atoms or molecules are packed closely together,firmly in place and arranged in a fixed ,regular pattern by strong chemical forces.Because the molecules are locked in a position near ach other,solids have a defined shape and volume.The atoms or molecules of solids are still in motion,however they remain fixed in place and vibrate back and forth.

Liquids at a particle level
The molecules are packed closely but are packed closely but are slightly further apart than solid.They are also held together by strong chemical forces.The moleculescan move past one another and bump into each other.As a result,liquids can 'flow' to take the shape of the container they are in but they cannot be easily compressed.Thus liquids have an undefined shape,but a definite volume.

Gases at a particle level
The particles in a gas are far apart from each other .They are not held together by strong chemical forces.The molecules move quickly and are free to move in any direction spreading out anywhere within their container.Gases expand to fill their containers and hence ,have low density.Because individual molecules are widely seperated and can move around easily in gaseous state,gases can be easily and thus the have an undefined shape.

Answer 4

an atom is one of the basic units of matter.everything around us is made up of atoms.an atom is incredibly tiny-- more than a million times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.the diameter of an atom is 0.1 to 0.5 nanometer. an atom consists of even more minute particles. the three basic types are protons.neutrons,and electrons

Answer 5

An atom is the basic unit of element and building blocks of life.

Answer 6

an atom is the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element, consisting of a nucleus containing combinations of neutrons and protons and one or more electrons bound to the nucleus by electrical attraction; the number of protons determines the identity of the element.

Answer 7

It is an abstract model, that in conjunction with some complex mathematics, seeems to explain a number of the propertysof matter. (The "stuff" around us)

Answer 8

it is the smallest undivisible part of substance. which is very difficult to divide farther. but it can be more farther to divided to electron,proton,& neutron but cant be saparated.

Answer 9

I dont know, but when you destroy those suckers it's big trouble.