What is the smallest particle of an element?

What is the smallest particle of an element?

• A. Atom
• B. Molecule
• C. Nucleus
• D. Electron

Answer: (A)

The basic unit that holds the identity and properties of an element is the atom. An atom is the smallest unit that keeps the characteristics of the element, defined by its number of protons. Inside the atom lies the nucleus, made of protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting around it. While the nucleus and the electrons are real subatomic particles, they are parts of the atom, not the entire unit that defines the element. A molecule, on the other hand, is two or more atoms bonded together, so it is larger than a single atom and does not represent the element’s smallest unit. An isolated electron is a subatomic particle, not an element on its own. Therefore, the atom is the smallest particle of an element.

The basic unit that holds the identity and properties of an element is the atom. An atom is the smallest unit that keeps the characteristics of the element, defined by its number of protons. Inside the atom lies the nucleus, made of protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting around it. While the nucleus and the electrons are real subatomic particles, they are parts of the atom, not the entire unit that defines the element. A molecule, on the other hand, is two or more atoms bonded together, so it is larger than a single atom and does not represent the element’s smallest unit. An isolated electron is a subatomic particle, not an element on its own. Therefore, the atom is the smallest particle of an element.