Which of these statements is true?
A) Molecules form atoms that in turn determine chemical properties of a substance.
B) Chemical elements are made up of about 100 distinct molecules.
C) A molecule is the smallest particle that exists.
D) Molecules are the smallest subdivision of matter that still retains chemical properties of a substance.
E) None of these statements is true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Molecules are indeed the smallest units of a compound that can exist by themselves and retain the chemical properties of the compound. This distinguishes them from atoms, which are the basic units of chemical elements. Statement A is incorrect because atoms form molecules, not the other way around. Statement B is incorrect because chemical elements are made up of atoms, not molecules, and there are more than 100 elements. Statement C is incorrect because atoms, not molecules, are often considered the smallest particles that exist in the context of defining chemical elements, and even atoms can be divided into subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons).

Which of These Statements Is True