What are the smallest particles of matter that exhibit and define the distinctive chemical characteristics of the individual elements?
A) protons
B) atoms
C) elements
D) minerals

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atoms are the smallest particles of matter that retain the distinctive chemical characteristics of the individual elements. Protons are subatomic particles that define the atomic number of an element, but they alone do not define the chemical characteristics of an element. Elements and minerals are not particles, but rather collections of atoms.

What Are the Smallest Particles of Matter That Exhibit and Define