Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding atoms?

• A. All atoms of the same element have different numbers of protons.
• B. Atoms are composed only of protons and electrons.
• C. Atoms can be divided into smaller particles that still retain the chemical properties of the element.
• D. Atoms are the smallest units of matter that retain the properties of an element.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an atom: An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element.
2. Recall that all atoms of the same element have the same number of protons, which defines the element's identity. Therefore, the statement 'All atoms of the same element have different numbers of protons' is incorrect.
3. Recognize that atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The statement 'Atoms are composed only of protons and electrons' is incomplete because it omits neutrons.
4. Know that atoms can be divided into smaller subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons), but these smaller particles do not retain the chemical properties of the element. Hence, the statement 'Atoms can be divided into smaller particles that still retain the chemical properties of the element' is false.
5. Conclude that the most accurate statement is: 'Atoms are the smallest units of matter that retain the properties of an element,' because this correctly reflects the fundamental nature of atoms in chemistry.