hay hv. you know a lot so just thought id ask.. how does someone "see" or observe atoms or molecules? ive read a little about electron microscopes but i dont fully understand them? can the precise atom be define etc? thanks

We cannot see atoms in the conventional sense even with the electron microscope.  I don't know in depth the workings of an electron microscope, but from what I recall the electron microscope creates a computer generated image of the atoms.

It was once thought that atoms were the smallest particles if you do not count the protons, neutrons and electrons.  But I recall back in high school that their was a new theory being proposed that atoms were actually made up of smaller particles called quarks.  It appears we still have a lot more to learn about atoms.