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Multiple Choice
In the classification of matter, what is the smallest unit of a chemical compound that still retains the compound’s chemical properties?
A
A mixture
B
An atom
C
An element
D
A molecule
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the classification of matter: Matter can be classified into mixtures and pure substances. Pure substances include elements and compounds.
Recall that an element is a substance made of only one type of atom, and an atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains its properties.
Recognize that a chemical compound is made up of two or more different atoms chemically bonded together.
Identify that the smallest unit of a chemical compound that still retains the compound’s chemical properties is a molecule, which consists of bonded atoms.
Therefore, the molecule is the correct answer because it represents the smallest unit of a compound that maintains the compound’s chemical identity.