an atom
an atom
An atom is the smallest particle of a substance.
An atom is the smallest particle of a substance.
Quarks are the smallest things in existence. A quark is an elementary particle.
atoms
Molecule
It is a molecule of the substance.
If it is an element, then the smallest particle that retains the characteristics of the element is an atom. If it is a diatomic element, then the smallest particle that retains the characteristics of the element is a molecule. If it is a molecular compound, then the smallest particle that retains the characteristics of the compound is a molecule. If it is an ionic compound, the smallest particle that retains characteristics of the compound is a formula unit.
Either an atom or a molecule, depending on the substance.
Atoms
Either an atom or a molecule, depending on the substance.
The smallest particle of a substance that still retains all the chemical properties of that substance is called a molecule. In the case of elements, the smallest particle is an atom, which retains the unique properties of that element. Molecules are made up of atoms bonded together in specific arrangements that determine the chemical behavior of the substance. Therefore, the smallest particle of a substance that is still that substance does indeed possess all the properties of that substance.