Here's why:
* Atoms are the building blocks of matter: Everything around us, from the air we breathe to the chair you're sitting on, is made up of tiny particles called atoms.
* Elements are made of one type of atom: Each element is defined by the specific type of atom it contains. For example, all gold atoms are identical and different from all silver atoms.
* Chemical properties are determined by the atom's structure: An atom's chemical properties, such as its ability to bond with other atoms, are determined by the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons it possesses.
While atoms can be further divided into subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons), these particles alone do not exhibit the same chemical properties as the complete atom.
