Which of the following is the smallest particle of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question is asking for the smallest particle of an element that retains its chemical properties.
2. Recall that an electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge but does not define the chemical properties of an element by itself.
3. Recognize that a proton is a positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus, which helps define the element but is not the smallest particle retaining chemical properties alone.
4. Know that a molecule is a group of atoms bonded together and can consist of different elements, so it is not the smallest particle of a single element.
5. Conclude that an atom is the smallest particle of an element that retains all the chemical properties of that element.