This is what carbon atoms look like on an ordered graphite surface. See the bumps. The bumps represent atoms.
Atoms are among nature's smallest elements.
You're not supposed to be able to see atoms. The process is similar to a phonograph needle reading the bumps left by sound waves on the surface of vinyl records. It's sometimes tempting to think of them as art. But the images also give scientists insight into the nature of atoms and how atoms come together to form solid matter. The Scanning Probe Microscope will be used for undergraduate research projects in physics, engineering, chemistry and biology as well as demonstrating atomic structure for introductory science courses.