Atom
Definition
The basic building block of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The number of protons defines which element it is.
Protons and neutrons cluster in a dense nucleus while electrons occupy shells outside it. In a neutral atom the electron count equals the proton count. Almost nothing in nature exists as a lone atom because most atoms have unfilled outer shells that drive them to bond.
Related concepts
Neutron · Proton · Valence electrons
How it connects
- this enables Bonding
Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry