* Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of all matter. They are incredibly small and consist of a dense nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons.
* Molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together. They can be simple, like a water molecule (H₂O), or very complex, like a protein molecule.
These particles are constantly moving, even when the matter they make up appears stationary. This motion is called thermal energy or heat. The faster the particles move, the hotter the matter is.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of motion:
* Translation: Particles move from one place to another.
* Rotation: Particles spin around their own axis.
* Vibration: Particles oscillate back and forth around a fixed point.
This constant motion of atoms and molecules is responsible for many of the properties we observe in matter, such as its temperature, state (solid, liquid, gas), and ability to conduct heat.
