Which of the following is the smallest part of an element that still retains the properties of that element?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: It asks for the smallest part of an element that still retains the properties of that element.
2. Recall definitions: A proton is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, but alone it does not retain the chemical properties of the element.
3. Recall definitions: An electron is a subatomic particle orbiting the nucleus, but it also does not retain the element's properties by itself.
4. Recall definitions: A molecule is made up of two or more atoms bonded together, so it is larger than an atom and may contain atoms of different elements.
5. Identify that an atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains all the chemical properties of that element, making it the correct answer.