The atom is not merely electromagnetic energy. Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter and consist of several subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. While electromagnetic forces play a significant role in the interactions between these particles, atoms are more than just electromagnetic energy.
Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus at the center of the atom, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells. Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge. The interactions between these particles are governed by various fundamental forces, including electromagnetic forces, but also the strong nuclear force and weak nuclear force.
Electromagnetic energy comes into play when electrons move between energy levels or shells, which leads to the emission or absorption of photons (particles of light). This phenomenon is responsible for the interaction of atoms with electromagnetic radiation, such as light. Electromagnetic energy is a fundamental aspect of atomic behavior, but it does not encompass the entirety of what an atom is.