<h2>The Atom as the Building Block of Matter</h2>
We have seen that different <a data-lesson="materials" data-subject="chemistry" data-tutorial="classification-of-matter" href="https://app.ulearngo.com/chemistry/classification-of-matter/materials">materials</a> have different properties. But what would we find if we were to break down a material into the parts that make it up (i.e. it's microscopic structure)? And how is it that this microscopic structure is able to give matter all its different properties?
The answer lies in the smallest building block of matter: the atom. It is the type of atoms, and the way in which they are arranged in a material, that affects the properties of that substance. This is similar to building materials. We can use bricks, steel, cement, wood, straw (thatch), mud and many other things to build structures from. The choice of atoms affects the properties of matter in the same way as the choice of building material affects the properties of the structure,
<img alt="" src="https://data.ulearngo.com/assets/5ad77c6e-e7f4-4770-8958-2df9d06206b8"/>
It is not often that substances are found in atomic form (just as you seldom find a building or structure made from one building material). Normally, atoms are bonded (joined) to other atoms to form compounds or molecules. It is only in the noble gases (e.g. helium, neon and argon) that atoms are found individually and are not bonded to other atoms. We looked at some of the reasons for this in earlier chapters.
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Atoms and Compounds

Chemistry generally explores the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. 

Chemistry

Explore the essential ideas in chemistry, including the scientific method, laboratory skills and safety, states of matter, measurement uncertainty, models of the atom, electronic configurations, and more.


Essential Ideas in Chemistry

Atomic Mass And Diameter

Atoms And Compounds

Chemistry Essential Ideas Summary

Chemistry in Context

Discussion On Atomic Models

Electronic Configuration

Isotopes

Mathematical Treatment of Measurement Results

Measurement Uncertainty; Accuracy and Precision

Measurements

Models Of The Atom

Phases and Classification of Matter

Physical and Chemical Properties

Skills in the Laboratory

Structure of the Atom

Atoms and Compounds

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