2 Down

NYT Mini • August 13, 2025

There are roughly ten million billion (10^16) of these in a grain of salt

Answer:

ATOMS

Hint:

5-letter answer

Explanation:

A grain of salt is made up of tiny particles called atoms, and scientists estimate there are about ten million billion (or 10 to the 16th power) of them in just one grain. The clue gives you that huge number as a hint, pointing directly to the basic building blocks of matter. No wordplay here—it’s a straightforward science fact about what makes up everyday objects like salt.

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