What is the smallest unit of matter?

What is the smallest unit of matter?

• A. Molecules
• B. Atoms
• C. Cells
• D. Elements

Answer: (B)

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space, and the smallest unit that still carries the properties of an element is an atom. An atom is the fundamental building block of elements; it has a nucleus made of protons and neutrons with electrons surrounding it. Atoms can bond with other atoms to form molecules, which are the smallest units of compounds. Cells are much larger and are the basic units of life, while elements are pure substances composed of one type of atom. So the smallest unit of matter, in the sense of representing an element’s property and building blocks, is the atom.

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space, and the smallest unit that still carries the properties of an element is an atom. An atom is the fundamental building block of elements; it has a nucleus made of protons and neutrons with electrons surrounding it. Atoms can bond with other atoms to form molecules, which are the smallest units of compounds. Cells are much larger and are the basic units of life, while elements are pure substances composed of one type of atom. So the smallest unit of matter, in the sense of representing an element’s property and building blocks, is the atom.