Non-atomic

Relating to or denoting something that cannot be broken down into individual atoms or that does not involve the fundamental properties of atoms. This term is often used in physics, chemistry, and computer science to describe concepts, systems, or processes that operate at a macroscopic level or that are not concerned with the elementary particles of matter. It can also imply that the subject does not have a discrete or indivisible nature, but rather exists as a continuous or composite whole. The context clarifies whether the 'non-atomic' nature refers to physical composition or abstract conceptualization. Furthermore, it can relate to the study of higher-level structures and the interactions that occur at that level.

Non-atomic meaning with examples

• In computer science, a 'non-atomic' transaction might involve multiple steps and operations, unlike a single, indivisible 'atomic' transaction. Consider a database updating multiple tables simultaneously, each part needs confirmation before the changes are made 'non-atomically' for integrity. If one part fails, the whole transaction may need to be rolled back, requiring more complex logic to maintain consistency; this is a characteristic of a 'non-atomic' operation.
• The study of thermodynamics often deals with 'non-atomic' systems, where the focus is on bulk properties like temperature, pressure, and volume, rather than the individual behavior of atoms. The behavior of a gas is explored through the use of pressure-volume diagrams, and is often analyzed by examining the average behavior of its constituent molecules, rather than the individual properties of its separate, constituent atoms. These are all characteristics of a 'non-atomic' study.
• In material science, we might describe the strength of a metal as a 'non-atomic' property, as it arises from the collective interactions of many atoms, rather than from the properties of a single atom. The strength of a material arises from the arrangements, interactions, and the characteristics between numerous atoms, and so can be described as 'non-atomic'. These properties, therefore, cannot be accurately predicted or explained solely by investigating an individual atom’s properties or nature.
• Quantum mechanics, which describes the behavior of atomic and subatomic particles, contrasts with 'non-atomic' descriptions of classical physics, which typically deal with continuous quantities and macroscopic objects. For example, while quantum mechanics examines electrons and their positions, classical mechanics deals with the motion of a baseball at the 'non-atomic' level. The quantum world and the 'non-atomic' physical world thus use separate frameworks.