What is an atom?
An atom is the smallest unit of matter(Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass) An atom is made of three subatomic particles Proton, a neutron, and an electron
- Protons: Protons carry a positive charge and are responsible for the atomic number of an element. Each element has a unique number of protons, which defines its identity. For example, hydrogen has one proton, while oxygen has eight.
- Neutrons: Neutrons are electrically neutral and add to the mass of the nucleus without significantly affecting an element’s chemical properties.
- Electrons: Electrons, found in electron clouds surrounding the nucleus, have a negative charge. They determine an atom’s chemical reactivity and play a crucial role in bonding with other atoms.
Difference Between Elements and Atoms
“Elements” and “Atoms” are the two most commonly used terms in science subjects. It’s confusing for some people what is an atom and an element. Understanding the difference between them is important for studying different reactions and applications of chemistry. Atoms are the most basic, term when you start chemistry learn about matter elements, and atoms are related to matter. In this article, we will find out what is atom and element, their characteristics, and the differences between them.
Table of Content
- What is an Element?
- Properties of Element
- What is an atom?
- Properties of Atom
- Difference Between Elements and Atoms