Atom

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-002356",
  "term": "Atom",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The smallest unit of a chemical element; composed of protons, neutrons and electrons.\n\n2. The basic building block of all the matter in the universe. Every element (for example, carbon or oxygen) represents a unique type of atom. Atoms combine together to make molecules such as carbon dioxide.\n\n3. Extremely small particles that make up our bodies and everything around us. Atoms consist of a nucleus which contains protons and neutrons and is surrounded by electrons.\n\n4. The smallest (or ultimate) particle of an element that still retains the characteristics of that element.",
  "subject": "Air",
  "references": [
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "Student's Guide to Global Climate Change",
    "RadTown Glossary; Radiation Protection Radiation Glossary",
    "Radiation Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/atom/"
}