Multiple Choice
In a silica tetrahedron, the small brown sphere at the center typically represents which type of atom?
2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
Multiple Choice
Which is the smallest particle of an element that retains the properties of the element?
A
Electron
B
Atom
C
Molecule
D
Proton
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the question: It asks for the smallest particle of an element that still retains the properties of that element.
Recall the structure of matter: Elements are made up of atoms, which consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Consider the options: Electrons and protons are subatomic particles and do not individually retain the chemical properties of the element.
Molecules are combinations of atoms and can be made of one or more elements, so they are not the smallest particle of a single element.
Therefore, the atom is the smallest particle that retains the chemical properties of an element.
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