* Protons: Positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.
* Neutrons: Neutrally charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.
* Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.
There are also other subatomic particles, such as quarks, which make up protons and neutrons.
Dividing an atom into its subatomic particles is a process called nuclear fission, which releases a huge amount of energy. This is how nuclear power plants work.
It's important to note that breaking down an atom doesn't necessarily create something smaller. The subatomic particles themselves are still very complex and can't be simply considered "smaller" than an atom.
