CF - The Atom Microlesson

The Atom

An atom is the basic unit that makes up all matter. There are many different types of atoms , each with its own name, mass, and size. These different atoms are called chemical elements.  

Quick Glance: Food Chemistry

In the study of Food Science, one important concept stands out as a basic to understanding food.

This concept is called Food Chemistry.

When you look closely at a piece of food you might notice cells. Even closer and you might see cells. Under a microscope, these cells are made up of molecules and those molecules are made up of atoms. These molecules and cells determine the nutritional content of all food. They also decide what type of chemical processes will take place in that food and hence in our body.

Explore: Life Starts As Matter

Created over 13 billion years ago, atoms are the basic units of matter. Matter is anything that occupies space and takes up mass. Within matter are elements. They are made up of physical and chemical properties. These elements cannot be broken down into smaller substances. You will learn more about these in future material when we cover the Periodic Chart.

 

Take a look at the video below to get an overview and a better understanding of how this process happens.

 

The Atom

The term "atom" comes from the Greek word for indivisible. It is the smallest item in the universe. The most basic unit of life. We now know that atoms are made up of three particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. In the center of each atom is the Nucleus. This is the “brain” of the atom. Everything in the universe (except energy) is made of matter, therefore, everything in the universe is made of atoms.

The presentation below will take you through the parts of the atom.

 

Wait...This Is A Lot Like Chemistry

So, you might be wondering why do we need to learn all of this chemistry? As mentioned before, these elements and molecules play an important role in our food supply. Food would not exist without these elements.

Watch the video below to learn more about what an atom is.

 

Challenge

So do you think you understand atoms? Try the challenge below to test your knowledge.

 

Takeaway: What Is Your Takeaway?

Ever wonder why a banana turns brown? 

This is related to Food Chemistry. Bananas are actually picked before they are ripe. Meaning, many times they are green when they are harvested. This is because an important gas named ethylene is involved in the ripening process. Bananas and other fruits give off this chemical when placed in ripening warehouses. This starts a chain reaction and an enzymatic browning takes place. This can be a good thing if you want to eat your banana at the peak of ripeness and flavor. However, it can also be a sad thing because in a few days the banana will be totally brown and go bad. This is a prime example of Food Chemistry and how each food is made of particular molecules that define how the food will look and taste.

Here is a great video on how the process happens-

 

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