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

• A. Compound
• B. Atom
• C. Molecule
• D. Matter

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question is asking for the smallest particle of an element that still retains the chemical properties of that element.
2. Recall that a compound is made of two or more different elements chemically combined, so it is not the smallest particle of a single element.
3. Recognize that a molecule can be made of atoms of the same or different elements, but it is not necessarily the smallest particle of an element.
4. Know that matter is a general term for anything that has mass and occupies space, so it is not a specific particle.
5. Identify that an atom is the smallest particle of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element.