Atoms

An atom is the smallest piece of matter that will retain a chemical identity.

Most atoms are by themselves are unstable and are found combined with other atoms to form Molecules.

Atoms as Understood by the Greeks

Statements made by Greeks have truth in them–we recommend that a student study them with scrutiny. A Greek who agreed with Democritus would explain to you that you can divide water down to an atom of water. Today, we know that the smallest unit of water is a Molecule and it is comprised of three atoms, two hydrogens and one oxygen.

Gold atoms do not require chemical reaction with other atoms to gain stability.

Noble gases also survive as atoms without needing to react with other atoms to form molecules.

A molecule may be homonuclear, that is, it consists of atoms of one chemical element.

As examples, two hydrogen atoms will come together to form a hydrogen molecule. Two atoms of oxygen come together to form a molecule of oxygen.

Appendix A

All Atoms of a given element are identical.

We can start our study of an atom by describing it as a nucleus surrounded by Electrons. At this time we believe Electrons are primary particles–they can’t be “busted” into subunits.

The Nucleus can be divided into Protons and Neutrons.

Protons and Neutrons can be divided into Quarks and Gluons.

Appendix B

The Law of Constant Composition states that a pure compound will contain the same proportions of its constituent elements.

An example of this would be saying that the compound water is always made with twice as much hydrogen as oxygen (hydrogen and oxygen are elements).