Which of the following is the fundamental building block of all matter?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of matter: Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
2. Recognize that matter is composed of very small particles called atoms, which are the basic units of chemical elements.
3. Know that atoms themselves are made up of subatomic particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons, but these are components of atoms, not the fundamental building blocks of matter.
4. Molecules are formed when two or more atoms chemically bond together, so molecules are not the most fundamental units but rather combinations of atoms.
5. Therefore, the fundamental building block of all matter is the atom, as it is the smallest unit that retains the chemical properties of an element.