This page explains atom structure, detailing that atoms are the fundamental units of matter composed of a nucleus with protons and neutrons, encircled by electrons. Atomic mass is calculated from prot...This page explains atom structure, detailing that atoms are the fundamental units of matter composed of a nucleus with protons and neutrons, encircled by electrons. Atomic mass is calculated from protons and neutrons. Atoms can ionize by losing or gaining electrons, becoming cations or anions. Additionally, atoms bond to form molecules, which can group to create compounds.
Matter is anything that has mass and volume (takes up space). For most common objects that we deal with every day, it is fairly simple to demonstrate that they have mass and take up space. You might b...Matter is anything that has mass and volume (takes up space). For most common objects that we deal with every day, it is fairly simple to demonstrate that they have mass and take up space. You might be able to imagine, however, the difficulty for people several hundred years ago to demonstrate that air has mass and volume. Air (and all other gases) are invisible to the eye, have very small masses compared to equal amounts of solids and liquids, and are quite easy to compress (change volume).
