How do we know what an atom looks like?

Answer 1

by splitting them apart

Answer 2

We cannot directly observe what an atom looks like because they are too small. Instead, scientists use models and imaging techniques, such as electron microscopes and scanning tunneling microscopes, to infer the structure of atoms based on their interactions with other particles and their behavior in experiments. This has led to the development of atomic models that depict atoms as a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons in specific energy levels.