Atomen are the basic building blocks of matter, making up everything around us. Each atom consists of a nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons that orbit the nucleus. The arrangement and number of these particles determine the properties of different elements. Atoms can bond together to form molecules, which are groups of two or more atoms linked by chemical bonds. The way atoms interact and combine is fundamental to the study of chemistry, influencing everything from the formation of compounds to the behavior of materials in various conditions.