An atom is the smallest unit of matter. It is made up of:Protons (positive charge)Neutrons (neutral)Electrons (negative charge)Differences between atoms of elementsThe number of protons defines what element it is (e.g., hydrogen = 1 proton, oxygen = 8 protons).They differ in mass, size, and how they combine with other atoms.Some atoms can gain or lose electrons and become ions.➤ All matter—solid, liquid, gas—is made of atoms, but their arrangements and properties make things different.