An atom is the smallest component of matter that keeps all of the chemical properties of an element. Atoms merge to form molecules, which then connect to form solids, gases, or liquids. Atoms are made up of three basic particles: protons, electrons, and neutrons. Atoms have different properties based on the order and number of their basic particles. Protons and neutrons have accurate mass, about 1.67x10 -24 grams.