An atom is:
A)a negatively-charged particle that circles a nucleus.
B)a positively-charged particle within a nucleus.
C)the smallest particle into which an element can be divided while still retaining the chemical characteristics of that element.
D)a combination of elements.
E)a negatively-charged particle that orbits the nucleus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An atom is defined as the smallest particle of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element. It consists of a nucleus, which contains positively charged particles called protons, and neutral particles called neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged particles called electrons that orbit the nucleus. Therefore, choice C is the best fit for the definition of an atom.

An Atom Is