Crystals | Shapes and structures

Shapes and structures

Crystals are made of either atoms or molecules. An atomA unit of matter, the smallest unit of an element, having all the characteristics of that element. is the smallest piece of an element that keeps the element's chemical properties. A moleculeThe smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms. is composed of two or more atoms. It is the smallest particle of a substance that still has the properties of that substance. Inside the core of an atom are positive and negative charges.

Did You Know?

  • A French chemist made the first artificial crystal in 1877 when he developed a method of making rubies. About a hundred years later the General Electric Company announced...

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