Words / B1

AT-uh-m/ˈætəm/

An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element that still has its properties. A molecule is atoms joined; a particle is wider. Chemistry papers: the atom question is not on combined-science paper two by default — check the specification.

Meaning

The smallest unit of a chemical element that still has its properties.

Examples

• “The atom question is on the chemistry paper, not paper two of combined science.”
• “An atom is not the same as an ion, which is charged.”

Good to know

an atom; atomic (adjective). Wider: a particle. Joined: a molecule. GCSE chemistry. Countable units.

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