However, atoms themselves are made up of even smaller particles:

* Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the element.

* Neutrons: Neutrally charged particles also found in the nucleus. The number of neutrons can vary within an element, creating isotopes.

* Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in shells. The number of electrons typically equals the number of protons.

So, while atoms are the fundamental building blocks of elements, they are themselves composed of even smaller particles.