Atoms: The Building Blocks of the Universe
Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter in the universe. Formed over billions of years of cosmic processes, these microscopic particles are the elements that make up the universe's diversity. Planets, stars, living things, and even humans themselves have been formed by millions of atoms coming together. So, what exactly are atoms and how do they work? The Structure of the Atom: Nucleus and Electrons The basic structure of an atom consists of two main components: the nucleus and the electron cloud. The nucleus consists of protons and neutrons and is located at the center of the atom. Protons are positively charged, while neutrons are uncharged. These particles make up almost all of the atom's mass. Electrons are negatively charged and move around the nucleus at certain energy levels. Although electrons are located quite far from the nucleus, they determine the atom's electrical behavior. The size of an atom is incredibly small. For example, the diameter of a hydrog...