The fundamental building block for all matter, which is the smallest representative sample of a substance that maintains chemical identity, is called
A) an atom.
B) an element.
C) a molecule.
D) an electron.
E) a chemical compound.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An atom is the fundamental building block for all matter, which is the smallest representative sample of a substance that maintains chemical identity.

B, C, D, and E are incorrect: 
B) An element is a type of substance made up of only one type of atom. 
C) A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. 
D) An electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. 
E) A chemical compound is a substance made up of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.

The Fundamental Building Block for All Matter, Which Is the Smallest