What is matter made from?

Matter is fundamentally made up of atoms, which are the basic building blocks of all substances. Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in defined energy levels. Molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together, creating a new substance with its own distinct properties.

While electrons, protons, and other subatomic particles are essential components of atoms, they do not constitute matter by themselves in the way that atoms and molecules do. Therefore, the correct basis for understanding matter is that it is ultimately composed of atoms. Molecules, though significant in the context of chemical compounds, are derived from atoms and are not the foundational units of matter itself. Understanding this hierarchy helps clarify the nature of matter and its composition at both the atomic and molecular levels.