The fundamental building blocks of matter are atoms. Atoms are extremely small particles that make up everything around us, from solids to gases
. Each atom consists of three main subatomic particles:
- Protons : Positively charged particles located in the nucleus (center) of the atom.
- Neutrons : Neutral particles, also found in the nucleus.
- Electrons : Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in electron shells or clouds
Atoms can bond together to form molecules, which are the smallest units of a substance that retain its properties
. Going deeper, protons and neutrons themselves are made of even smaller particles called quarks , which are currently considered fundamental and indivisible
. Electrons are also fundamental particles but are not made up of smaller components. In summary, the building blocks of matter are:
- Atoms (made of protons, neutrons, and electrons)
- Protons and neutrons (made of quarks)
- Electrons (fundamental particles)
This hierarchical structure explains the composition of all ordinary matter in the universe, from everyday objects to stars and planets
