Question

etymology of the word \atom\
the word atom comes from the greek language and means ____________ (fill in the blank).
breaking down the meaning

• a- = ____________ (prefix meaning

ot\)

• -tom = ____________ (root word meaning \to cut\)

key concept
when combined, the greek roots suggest that an atom is a __________ particle that cannot be __________ further.
historical significance
the original greek understanding implied that atoms were the smallest possible ____________ of matter that could not be divided.
modern understanding
today, we know that atoms can be further subdivided into:

1. ____________
2. ____________
3. ____________

Explanation:

• The word "atom" comes from Greek. The prefix "A -" means "not", and the root "-tom" means "to cut". So, "atom" means "not to be cut".
• Combining the roots, an atom is a particle that cannot be cut further.
• Originally, Greeks thought atoms were the smallest indivisible units of matter.
• Modern science has shown that atoms can be divided into protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Answer:

• "not to be cut"
• "not"
• "to cut"
• "smallest; cut"
• "units"
• "protons; neutrons; electrons"