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Exploring atoms

Theoretical physics and particle accelerator experiments are the main sources of our knowledge about atoms and their components. Evidence of atoms' existence is also provided by:

• Chemistry: Avogadro’s number and stoichiometry strongly suggest the existence of atoms.
• Nuclear fission: Today, 11% of the world’s electricity is generated by splitting atoms.
• Spectroscopy: Spectroscopes using light waves and X-rays, and also mass spectrometers, identify elements by interaction with their atoms.
• X-ray crystallography: The arrangement of atoms in solids can be studied by evaluating X-ray scattering and diffraction patterns.
• Scanning tunneling microscope: Its high resolution allows a view of atoms on the surface of a sample.

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