What is an atom? Is atom the smallest particle of an element?

 What is an atom? Is atom the smallest particle of an element?

An atom is the basic unit of matter, and it is the smallest particle of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element. Atoms are composed of subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.

The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, which are relatively massive compared to electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge. Electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells.

Atoms combine to form molecules, which are the building blocks of all substances. While atoms are very small, they are not the smallest particles in the universe. Subatomic particles like quarks and leptons make up protons, neutrons, and electrons, but these particles are not usually considered on their own in the context of everyday chemistry.

In summary, while atoms are the smallest particles of an element that retain its chemical properties, they are composed of even smaller particles, and the study of subatomic particles delves deeper into the fundamental nature of matter.