An atom is best described as

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An atom is indeed the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element. It is characterized by its number of protons (which defines the element) and can have varying numbers of neutrons (isotopes) and electrons (ions). Atomic mass is influenced by the number of protons and neutrons, not defined by it. Atoms do not always have equal numbers of protons and neutrons, and the nucleus contains protons and neutrons, not electrons.

An Atom Is Best Described as