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Atom Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Atom

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

This is a basic diagram of an atom, with protons, neutrons and electrons labeled.

This is a basic diagram of an atom, with protons, neutrons and electrons labeled.

AhmadSherif, Wikipedia Commons
Atom Definition: An atom is the defining structure of an element, which cannot be broken by any chemical means. A typical atom consists of a nucleus of protons and neutrons with electrons circling this nucleus.

Atom Examples: hydrogen, carbon-14, zinc, cesium, Cl- (a substance can be an atom and an isotope or ion at the same time)

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