0
Yes, but they lose the 'identity' of the element when they are divided.
Atoms were once thought to be indivisible units of an element - the smallest thing that retained the characteristics of an element. The word comes from the Greek for indivisible/uncuttable ~ a+ temnein.
It is now known that atoms contain protons, neutrons and electrons and that even these are composed of smaller particles called quarks.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoatom is the basic unit of matter, each element we have now is composed of of 1 kind of atom, thus atom is not a substance (but elments are) and atoms are uncuttable & indestructible.
Correction: Atoms are divisible.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAn atom is the smallest unit of matter. Therefore, it can't be divided. However, it can be split open. Inside an atom you will find protons, electrons, and neutrons.*
*Look for subatomic particles. I saw another answer just before, they said that an atom is made up of subatomic particles, and these are made up of something called quark. So the other guy who answered it first needs to learn more physics and so do I.
I think your question is vague and can therefore be misinterpreted. Did you mean to ask wther an atom can be divided into two atoms? I don't think that is possible but an atom can be split into a smaller atom. This is nuclear fission. So yes, an atom can be divided (split).
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThe atom is divisible. Atoms are made up of subatomic particles that may be separated from one another through radioactive decay and nuclear fission.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoNo. They can be divided.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Can an atom of plutonium divide in to smaller particles that retain all the properties of plutonium?
It is not correct: if an atom is divided it is not the original atom.
What is the mass of an atom of?
It is its molecular weight divided by avagadro's number.
When was the atom changed when new evidence was discovered?
atoms cannot be divided
What ideas about the atom when new evidence was discovered?
atoms cannot be divided
The smallest whole unit into which a compound can be divided and still be that same compound is a(n) .?
atom
What word means cannot be divided?
atom
What is smallest particle into which an element can be divided and still have the properties of that element?
an "element" can be divided until it reaches a single atom. But a "molecule" can only be divided until it is a single molecule. For instance, water, H2O, is usually present in the millions to look like water. However, if you divide it up into smaller and smaller portions, say halves, you can only divide it until you have 2 Hydrogens and 1 Oxygen. If you divide it further, it is no longer water. It will become something else.
Who gave us the term the atom?
Atom comes from atomic, meaning 'indivisible'. It was previously believed that an atom could not be divided into smaller pieces.
Can an atom of plutonium divide in to smaller particles that retain all the properties of plutonium?
It is not correct: if an atom is divided it is not the original atom.
Are particles able to be divided?
Yes. Only the atom is indivisible
What is the mass of an atom of?
It is its molecular weight divided by avagadro's number.
What are some characteristics of atom?
Some characteristics of a atom are they take on part of chemical reactions independently. Atom can be divided into sub-atomic particles and the main particles of a atom are the electron, proton and neutron.
What is made up of only one atom and has a chemical symbol and cant be divided into simpler substances?
The atom of a chemical element.
What are quraks?
An atom can be divided too. The parts that it forms are called quarks.
Who was the first person to identify an atom and state that it could not be divided?
Democritus
What is the smallest particle that matter can be divided into and still have the characteristics of the element?
The atom.
What changed about the atom when new evidence was discovered?
atoms cannot be divided
