Atoms, protons, neutrons?

[Angel]

Since no one has ever seen Atoms, protons, electrons, neutrons etc how do scientist 'know' they exist, and what instruments do they use to observe them?

[jonny_k]

Peace "angel",
This is a very large topic. I suggest you type in those terms at wiki and read through the articles one by one. Heres a part about atoms
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atoms#Atom_size_and_speed
GOD Bless!

[unknownuser]

We don't KNOW they exist. The concept of "atoms", "protons", and "neutrons", goes with what we find through empirical observation. For instance, previously, the plum pudding model was used - this approximates a fair bit, but falls short of explaining many things. Now, we're on the route to thinking everything is simultaneously a wave, and a particle, not just quanta.

http//www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/vintage/images/4506VV1003.jpg