The smallest unit of matter that can participate in a chemical reaction is a(n): a) molecule b) atom c) element d) compound??
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b) atom.
Explanation:
An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, and a cloud of electrons surrounding the nucleus. Atoms can combine with other atoms through chemical bonds to form molecules and compounds, but they themselves are indivisible in terms of participating in chemical reactions.
Atoms are essential to chemical reactions because they are the building blocks of matter that interact during these reactions. When a chemical reaction occurs, atoms rearrange to form new substances, but the atoms themselves are not destroyed or created in the process. The law of conservation of mass states that matter is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction; instead, the atoms are simply rearranged to form new products.
- Molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together. While molecules participate in chemical reactions, they are made up of atoms, meaning the fundamental participant in the reaction is still the atom.
- Elements are pure substances made of only one type of atom, but they are not the smallest unit that can participate in a reaction.
- Compounds are substances composed of two or more different types of atoms bonded together. Like molecules, compounds can participate in chemical reactions, but the smallest participatory unit in those reactions is still the atom.
Thus, atoms are the primary participants in chemical reactions, as they form the structure and characteristics of the substances involved.
