by Wes Becker

Created on: May 20, 2008

All matter is composed of particles. These particles are called atoms. Democritus of Abdera, a Greek teacher who lived during the fourth century B.C., was the first person to suggest the presence of atoms. He believed that these atoms were indivisible and he also believed that they were indestructible. However, due to the time period that Democritus lived in, his theory was not found to be useful to describe chemical behavior. He also lacked support for his findings.

According to Dalton's atomic theory all elements are composed of tiny indivisible particles called atoms, atoms of the same element are identical, atoms of different elements can mix together or can chemically combine with one another in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds, and chemical reactions occur when atoms are separated, joined, or rearranged. Atoms of one element, however, are never changed into atoms of another element as a result of a chemical reaction. Atoms are very tiny and make up every substance.

Atoms are very small. However, seeing an individual atom is possible. You can see an atom with proper observable instruments. A scanning tunneling microscope creates a visual image of individual atoms. These individual atoms can be shifted around to fit into different patterns. The ability to move individual atoms creates promises for the production of atomic-sized electronic devices. These devises could allow for small, more portable devices to be used in everyday life. This could even be applied to space exploration.

John Dalton created the modern process of regarding atoms. He was an English school teacher and he performed many experiments and tests to correct his theories. According to Dalton's atomic theory all elements are composed of tiny indivisible particles called atoms, atoms of the same element are identical, atoms of different elements can mix together or can chemically combine with one another in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds, and chemical reactions occur when atoms are separated, joined, or rearranged. Atoms of one element, however, are never changed into atoms of another element as a result of a chemical reaction. Atoms are very tiny and make up every substance.

It is hard to imagine that these tiny building blocks make up everything we are and use today. Every element is made of these tiny building blocks. They work by joining together to form compounds. Atoms of different elements can join together and create the various things in our universe and beyond. Atoms are very small. However, seeing an individual atom is possible. You can see an atom with proper observable instruments. It is easy to think about how these atoms work, even though it may seem like a daunting thing to think about when you first take a glance. Just remember that they are building blacks and everything is made of them.

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