Deutsch: Atom / Español: Atomo / Português: Atomo / Français: Atome / Italiano: Atomo
An atom is the smallest constituent unit of ordinary matter that has the properties of a chemical element. Every solid, liquid, gas, and plasma is made up of neutral or ionized atoms. Atoms are very small; typical sizes are around 100 pm (a ten-billionth of a meter, in the short scale).
In the environmental context, "atom" refers to the basic building block of matter that cannot be further divided by chemical means. Here are some examples:
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Carbon atom: Carbon is a common element found in living organisms, and it forms the basis of many important molecules such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates.
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Oxygen atom: Oxygen is a gas that is essential for life, and it is a major Component of the Earth's atmosphere.
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Nitrogen atom: Nitrogen is a key element in the cycle of life, and it is an essential component of proteins and nucleic acids.
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Hydrogen atom: Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and it is a key component of water and many other important molecules.
Other terms that are similar to "atom" in the environmental context include:
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Molecule: This refers to a group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together, such as water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
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Element: This refers to a substance made up of only one type of atom, such as carbon (C) and oxygen (O).
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Compound: This refers to a substance made up of two or more different types of atoms that are chemically bonded together, such as glucose (C6H12O6) and methane (CH4).
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Isotope: This refers to a variation of an element that has a different number of neutrons in its nucleus, resulting in a different atomic mass. Some isotopes are radioactive and can be used in environmental monitoring and research.
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| 'Nitrogen' | ■■■■■■■■■■ |
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| 'Fixation' | ■■■■■■■■■ |
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| 'Chemical Element' | ■■■■■■■■ |
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| 'Element' | ■■■■■■■■ |
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| 'Substance' | ■■■■■■■■ |
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| 'Liquid' | ■■■■■■■ |
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