No, atoms are not the only "building block" that can be made with subatomic particles. Subatomic particles themselves are the fundamental constituents of matter. They combine in various ways to form different types of particles, including atoms.
Atoms consist of a nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. Protons and neutrons are themselves composite particles made up of quarks held together by the strong nuclear force. Electrons, on the other hand, are elementary particles and are not composed of smaller particles.
Beyond atoms, subatomic particles can combine in different configurations to form a wide range of structures and particles. For example:
Atomic Nuclei: Multiple protons and neutrons can combine to form atomic nuclei of different elements. The number of protons determines the element, while the number of neutrons can vary, giving rise to different isotopes of the same element.
Molecules: Atoms can bond together through chemical interactions to form molecules. Molecules can be composed of a few atoms or can consist of complex arrangements of many atoms.
Subatomic Particles: Subatomic particles can also combine to form different types of particles, such as mesons and baryons. Mesons are composed of a quark and an antiquark, while baryons (including protons and neutrons) are made up of three quarks.
Exotic Particles: In high-energy physics, particle accelerators can create exotic particles that are short-lived and not commonly found in nature. These particles can have more complex combinations of quarks, antiquarks, and gluons.
Furthermore, subatomic particles can interact and combine in different ways under extreme conditions, such as in the early universe or in high-energy collisions, giving rise to phenomena like quark-gluon plasma.
So, while atoms are indeed significant building blocks of matter, there are various other structures and particles that can be formed from subatomic particles, showcasing the rich diversity of the microscopic world.