What is matter primarily made up of?

Matter is primarily made up of atoms, which are the fundamental building blocks of all substances. An atom consists of a central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. Atoms can combine to form molecules, which represent chemical compounds, but at their most basic level, all matter starts with atoms.

While elements and particles are related concepts, they do not solely define the composition of matter in the same way that atoms do. Elements are pure substances that consist of only one type of atom, and they form the basis of the periodic table. Particles, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to atoms, molecules, ions, and even subatomic components. However, the most accurate and fundamental definition of matter involves atoms, highlighting their critical role as the basic units that make up everything in existence.