Physical Atom
(Redirected from Atom)
A Physical Atom is a unit of matter that forms chemical elements and has a nucleus surrounded by electrons.
- Context:
- It can (typically) be composed of Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons.
- It can have Atomic Properties such as atomic number, atomic mass, and electron configuration.
- It can be part of a Chemical Compound when it bonds with other atoms.
- It can exist in various isotopes, differing in the number of neutrons.
- It can undergo nuclear reactions, such as fission or fusion.
- It can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, as explained by quantum mechanics.
- It can be studied through methods like X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy.
- It can be manipulated in fields such as nanotechnology and materials science.
- It can range from being a Neutrally Charged Atom to being a Charged Atam (Ion).
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- Example(s):
- A Hydrogen Atom, the simplest atom with one proton and one electron.
- A Carbon Atom, essential in organic chemistry and life sciences.
- A Uranium Atom, known for its use in nuclear power and weapons.
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- Counter-Example(s):
- A Molecule, such as a water molecule (H2O), which is a combination of atoms.
- A Subatomic Particle, like a quark or a gluon, which are constituents of atoms.
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- See: Elementary Particle, Chemical Bond, Atomic Theory, Periodic Table of Elements, Atomic Physics, Physical, Atom, Quantum Mechanics, Nucleus, Electron, Proton, Neutron.