Importance of the Parts of the Atom

To know something in depth, one must become familiar with its simplest and most basic constituent elements. If we want to meet the living beings, the fundamental unit to be studied is the cell. If we are interested in mathematics, it will be necessary to understand its basic elements, the numbers.

In the same way, if it is intended to explain reality as a whole or a part of reality, it is essential to know its original pieces, the atoms. Said in others words, everything that exists is made up of atoms and without them there would be nothing.

The classical structure of the atom

Every atom is made up of three basic types of particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of the atom, while around the nucleus are electrons (for this reason it is called the electron cloud).

If we compare the masses of each of these particles, protons and neutrons have a similar atomic mass, but the atomic mass of electrons is much less comparatively. This question is relevant, especially when it comes to calculating the mass of an atom (in these calculations the atomic mass of electrons is not usually considered).

Each particle of the atom fulfills a certain function

The atom is a whole, but each of the particles that compose it has a specific function. Almost all of its mass is found in the nucleus of the atom.

On the other hand, in the nucleus there are more than 200 types of particles, the so-called subatomic particles (such as mesons, deuterines or the graviton). Protons and neutrons are the fundamental parts of the nucleus of the atom (protons have a positive charge and neutrons have a neutral charge and electrons have a negative charge). This structure is invisible, but without it we could not explain matter in any of its forms.

It must be remembered that there are simple materials or substances, such as iron, aluminum or hydrogen, as well as composite materials or substances, such as bicarbonate, alcohol or sugar.

In conclusion, when we touch something, we are in contact with millions of atoms that make up that something.

The atom and its parts bear a certain resemblance to the neurons of the brain, which are not seen but without them we could not think.

Although atoms explain what matter is, we must not forget that antimatter exists, also called dark matter. It is not yet known what this dark matter is made of, but its existence is known from the gravitational effects it causes.

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