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What Is An Atom

An atom is the basic building block of all matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons determine the element's identity, neutrons contribute to the nucleus's stability, and electrons are involved in chemical reactions. Atoms are in constant motion, with their movement influenced by temperature, which affects their energy and interactions.

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22 views1 page

What Is An Atom

An atom is the basic building block of all matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons determine the element's identity, neutrons contribute to the nucleus's stability, and electrons are involved in chemical reactions. Atoms are in constant motion, with their movement influenced by temperature, which affects their energy and interactions.

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zeinarss
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is an Atom?

An atom is the basic building block of all matter. Everything around us, from the air we breathe to
the food we eat, is made up of atoms. Think of atoms as tiny, invisible LEGO bricks that combine
in different ways to form all the different substances we see in the world.
Parts of an Atom
Atoms are made up of three main parts:
1. Protons:
○ Definition: Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus (the center)
of an atom.
○ Description: The number of protons in an atom determines what element it is. For
example, hydrogen has one proton, while carbon has six. Protons give the atom its
identity.
2. Neutrons:
○ Definition: Neutrons are neutral particles (they have no charge) also located in the
nucleus.
○ Description: Neutrons help hold the nucleus together, along with protons. The
number of neutrons can vary in atoms of the same element, leading to different
isotopes. For example, carbon-12 has six neutrons, while carbon-14 has eight.
3. Electrons:
○ Definition: Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in
regions called electron shells.
○ Description: Electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons. They are
responsible for chemical reactions and bonding with other atoms. The arrangement
of electrons determines how an atom interacts with others.
Movement of Atoms
Atoms are in constant motion! Here are a few key points about their movement:
● Vibration: In solids, atoms are tightly packed and mainly vibrate in place.
● Rotation: In liquids, atoms can move around each other, allowing the liquid to flow.
● Speed: In gases, atoms are far apart and move quickly in all directions, filling the space
they're in.
The movement of atoms is influenced by temperature: higher temperatures increase the energy
and movement of atoms, causing them to vibrate or move faster.
Conclusion
In summary, atoms are the fundamental units of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and
electrons. Understanding atoms is crucial because they are the building blocks of everything in
our universe! By learning about the parts and movements of atoms, we can better appreciate the
world around us.

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