Which of the following are considered the fundamental building blocks of all matter, including solids?

• A. Protons
• B. Molecules
• C. Electrons
• D. Atoms

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question is asking about the fundamental building blocks of all matter, including solids.
2. Recall that matter is anything that has mass and occupies space, and it is composed of very small particles.
3. Recognize that protons and electrons are subatomic particles, which are components of atoms, but not the complete building blocks themselves.
4. Know that molecules are groups of atoms bonded together, so they are larger structures made from atoms.
5. Conclude that atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter because they are the smallest units that retain the chemical properties of an element and combine to form molecules and solids.