
Atom | Definition, Structure, History, Examples, Diagram, & Facts ...
Mar 28, 2026 · An atom is the smallest unit into which matter can be divided without the release of electrically charged particles. It also is the smallest unit of matter that has the characteristic …
Atomic physics | Structure, Particles & Energy | Britannica
Atomic physics, the scientific study of the structure of the atom, its energy states, and its interactions with other particles and with electric and magnetic fields. Atomic physics has proved to be a …
How Scientists Discovered Atoms | Britannica
Learn about the discovery of atoms and the instruments scientists use to see these small particles.
Atom - Development, Theory, Structure | Britannica
Mar 28, 2026 · Atom - Development, Theory, Structure: The concept of the atom that Western scientists accepted in broad outline from the 1600s until about 1900 originated with Greek philosophers in the …
Atom - Quantum Mechanics, Subatomic Particles, Electrons | Britannica
Mar 20, 2026 · Atom - Quantum Mechanics, Subatomic Particles, Electrons: Within a few short years scientists developed a consistent theory of the atom that explained its fundamental structure and its …
Covalent bond | Definition, Properties, Examples, & Facts - Britannica
Mar 25, 2026 · Covalent bond, in chemistry, the interatomic linkage that results from the sharing of an electron pair between two atoms. The binding arises from the electrostatic attraction of their nuclei …
John Dalton - Atomic Theory, Chemistry, Physics | Britannica
Mar 25, 2026 · John Dalton - Atomic Theory, Chemistry, Physics: By far Dalton’s most influential work in chemistry was his atomic theory. Attempts to trace precisely how Dalton developed this theory have …
atom - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
All atoms have the same basic parts. These are a nucleus and at least one particle called an electron. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons. Diagrams of two kinds of atoms show that each kind of …
Ion | Definition, Chemistry, Examples, & Facts | Britannica
Mar 29, 2026 · Ion, any atom or group of atoms that bears one or more positive or negative electrical charges. Positively charged ions are called cations; negatively charged ions, anions. Ions migrate …
Spectroscopy - Atomic Structure, Light, Wavelengths | Britannica
Feb 20, 2026 · Spectroscopy - Atomic Structure, Light, Wavelengths: An isolated atom can be described in terms of certain discrete states called quantum states. Each quantum state has a definite energy …