An atom (derived from the greek word atomos meaning indivisible) is the smallest unit of matter that cannot be further broken down and still retain the same characteristics and identity of its original element. its basic components are the subatomic particles known as

The atom is considered the building block of all matter since it is the smallest unit of matter that can no longer be broken down into a smaller particle. As mentioned, it has the same identity and characteristic as its original element. The basic components that make up an atom are the subatomic particles electron, neutron and proton.