how can atom be the smallest indivisible particle of an element, while it cotains protron,neutron & electron?

Question

if a matter is too small that it cannnot be divided I still wonder how from i came acrose some foundamental particles.
The reading have become difficult to understand since i think thaey are saying two different things. i therefore use this as an opportunity to be clearified please somebody that really care should help me out in a very simple way that i will understand i wait to get the answer .

Answer 1

you are correct in saying that an atom is in fact not the smallest indivisible part of an element. I think how this concept of thinking came about is that we think of an atom as the smallest 'most important' indivisible particle of an element in the sense that, protons, neutrons, electrons, photons, leptons, etc (there are 40 or so more divisible parts to an atom) are useless if they simply exist in space. It is only when these smallest of small particles arrange themselves systematically into an atom can be actually "create" a functioning element. hope this helps

Answer 2

because the sentence isnt complete the atom is the smallest indivisible particle of an element that carry the characteristics of that element .. meaning that a mercury element (for example) has certain properties such as being shiny and liquid, and the smallest part of it that would hold the same properties is an atom (a single atom ) because if you broke this atom up to protons , neutrons and electrons they will not resemble mercury in any way ,, since all elements are made up of these very same building blocks but in different proportions hope its clear enough for you :)

Answer 3

Atom was coined long ago when it was felt that all matter is made up of small indivisible particles like houses are made of bricks or stones. Atom literally means indivisible and when they reached a sufficiently small size, scientists thought that they indeed reached the end of the division process.

Subsequently they found that atoms do consist of sub-atomic particles and protons and neutrons also are not fundamental particles and are made up of quarks etc.

Finally every particle is made up of energy.

Answer 4

Atoms are the building blocks of life...and thier the smallest?..I mean, electrons on its own can only do so much, same with protons and Neutrons...Atoms however, can do so much..they can fuse with others to make bigger atoms and minerals etc..
That probably didnt answer the question though :/ sorry :'(

Answer 5

atoms are divisible but they once were said to be not by democritus-a greek philosopher who got the name from the greek word atomos, meaning indivisible in 500 BC
& one more thing: dividing atoms have a bad effect don't you think?

Answer 6

an atom consits of a nucleus and shells, the nucleus contains protons which are positivly charged and neutrons which are neutral. the shells contain electrons which are negativly charged

Answer 7

i heard neutrinos were the smallest indivisible particle in existence. theyre so small billions pass through your body every second....

Answer 8

it contains but smaller than neutron, electron and proton