Atoms and Their Sizes

Part of Scales of the Universe.

Atoms and their sizes_HERO AMNH/D. Finnin

Atoms range in size from a few tenths of a nanometer to several nanometers across. More than 10 million hydrogen atoms would fit across the head of a pin. Atoms are the basic constituents of molecules, cells, humans, and planets. The human body contains about a billion billion billion (10^27) atoms.

Scales of the Universe: 10(-10) Meters
A sphere on an exhibition stand on the second floor of the Museum’s Rose Center for Earth and Space.
AMNH/D. Finnin
Water and ammonia
AMNH/D. Finnin
Water and ammonia
AMNH/D. Finnin
Methane
AMNH/D. Finnin
Scales of the Universe: 10(-11) Meters
Scales of the Universe: 10(-12) Meters
Scales of the Universe: 10(-13) Meters
Scales of the Universe: 10(-14) Meters
Scales of the Universe: 10(-15) Meters
10(-18) meters
AMNH/D. Finnin

In This Section

Exhibit Hydrogen Atom If the Hayden Sphere is the size of a rhinovirus, then this model is the relative size of the hydrogen atom. Exhibit Water If the Hayden Sphere is the size of a rhinovirus, then the model hanging about you are the relative size of water. Exhibit Ammonia If the Hayden Sphere is the size of a rhinovirus, then the model hanging about you are the relative size of ammonia. Exhibit Methane If the Hayden Sphere is the size of a rhinovirus, then the model hanging about you are the relative size of methane.