atom

Everyday

1. An atom is the smallest piece of a chemical element, far too small to see even with an ordinary microscope; everything around us is made of atoms. tree →
2. An atom has a tiny centre called the nucleus, with even tinier electrons moving around it. tree →
3. (figurative) «Not an atom of» means not even the tiniest bit: «not an atom of truth». tree →
4. To atoms means into tiny broken pieces, as when something is smashed to bits. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons atoms come in materials and chemistry: atoms join together to make molecules (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom make a water molecule), and different kinds of atom are the elements on the periodic table, like carbon, oxygen and gold. Phrases: «atom bomb» (a nuclear bomb), «split the atom». Atoms are so small that millions would fit across the full stop at the end of this sentence.

Examples

• Everything is made of tiny atoms. tree →
• A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. tree →
• Gold is made only of gold atoms. tree →
• An atom is mostly empty space. tree →
• Scientists use special microscopes to see the shapes of atoms. tree →
• The word «atom» comes from a Greek word meaning «cannot be cut». tree →
• There wasn't an atom of doubt in her mind. tree →
• In a moment the witch had the bridge shivered to atoms, and then she hastened away to the palace. tree →

Note

Plural «atoms»; use «an atom» because it starts with a vowel sound. Adjective «atomic». Trap: the name means «uncuttable», but atoms can be split into smaller parts (protons, neutrons, electrons). An atom is not a cell: cells are in living things and are made of billions of atoms. Do not confuse atom and molecule: a molecule is two or more atoms joined.

In Jewish tradition

In science lessons atoms come in materials and chemistry: atoms join together to make molecules (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom make a water molecule), and different kinds of atom are the elements on the periodic table, like carbon, oxygen and gold. Phrases: «atom bomb» (a nuclear bomb), «split the atom». Atoms are so small that millions would fit across the full stop at the end of this sentence.

Note

Plural «atoms»; use «an atom» because it starts with a vowel sound. Adjective «atomic». Trap: the name means «uncuttable», but atoms can be split into smaller parts (protons, neutrons, electrons). An atom is not a cell: cells are in living things and are made of billions of atoms. Do not confuse atom and molecule: a molecule is two or more atoms joined.