What are the basic building blocks of materials that differ based on their particle content?

The concept of the basic building blocks of materials is best captured by the term "atoms." Atoms are the fundamental units of matter and serve as the building blocks for all substances. Each atom consists of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Different materials are characterized by their unique combinations and arrangements of these atoms, which in turn are influenced by their particle content.

While electrons and protons are crucial components of an atom, they do not stand alone as the basic building blocks of materials in the broader context. Electrons exist within the atom's structure and contribute to its chemical behavior, but they are not the distinct entities that materials are built from. Protons, meanwhile, are found in the nucleus of atoms and define the type of element, but again, are part of the atom, not the entire concept itself.

"Particles" is a more general term that can refer to various forms of matter, including atoms, molecules, or subatomic particles. While it touches on the concept, it lacks the specificity that "atoms" provides in the context of describing the fundamental units from which materials are constructed. Thus, among the options given, atoms clearly represent the basic building blocks of materials that vary based on their specific content and structure