2007-03-29 08:32:11 · 4 answers · asked by cody link 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A virus is the smallest 'living' thing. This is basing the definition of life on ability to reproduce (and viruses are so small they have to hijack host cells to reproduce, so these guys are really pushing even this generous definition.)
As a virus is a collection of molecules/atoms (20-30 nm), it seems that the singular 'atom' (typically measured in tenths of a nm) would not qualify for 'life' status.
2007-03-29 08:45:22 · answer #1 · answered by Roy J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atoms do not reproduce. They can split or fuse, but that's about it. So if you define anything that can reproduce as being alive, then atoms are not alive.
I presonally would add self-awareness and the instinct to survive to the definition of life; atoms are certainly not self aware and they have no self preservation behavior.
2007-03-29 16:05:29 · answer #2 · answered by oldprof 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
we cant be sure about that but i dream atoms as planets because the movement energy rules are similar so may be the aliens arent so distant living on the atom's electrons
2007-03-29 16:54:04 · answer #3 · answered by curious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An atom is something having energy ..... now u decide urself whether its alive or not ...
2007-03-29 15:55:44 · answer #4 · answered by Interpol 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋