Which is the smallest unit of a compound? Options: 1. Atoms 2. Molecules
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The smallest unit of a compound is a molecule.
Explanation:
A compound is a substance made up of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded. The smallest unit of a compound is a molecule because it consists of two or more atoms bonded together in a specific arrangement. These atoms in the molecule are connected by chemical bonds, which can either be covalent (sharing of electrons) or ionic (transfer of electrons).
In contrast, an atom is the smallest unit of an element. It consists of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and electrons that orbit around the nucleus. While an atom is the smallest building block of matter, it does not represent a compound on its own. When atoms of different elements bond together in fixed ratios, they form molecules of a compound. For example, water (H₂O) is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. In this case, the water molecule is the smallest unit of the compound.
Moreover, the molecular structure of a compound determines its chemical and physical properties. For example, a water molecule’s unique structure (H₂O) gives it properties like surface tension and the ability to dissolve many substances, which would not be the case if the compound were just a collection of individual atoms.
So, the smallest unit of a compound is a molecule, which is composed of atoms chemically bonded together.
