Question

select the answer from the menu.
the smallest particle of an element is a(n) dropdown menu with options: atom, mixture, molecule, compound

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Atom: Defined as the smallest particle of an element that retains its chemical properties.
• Mixture: A combination of substances, not a particle of an element.
• Molecule: Can be a particle of a compound or element (if diatomic), but not the smallest for an element (e.g., a single atom of oxygen is smaller than an O₂ molecule).
• Compound: A substance with multiple elements, not a particle of a single element.

Thus, the smallest particle of an element is an atom.

Answer:

A. atom