An atom is

A

the smallest particle of matter known

B

the smallest particle of a gas

C

the smallest indivisible particle of an element that can take part in a chemical change

D

radioactive emission

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
**Step-by-Step Solution:** 1. **Understanding the Definition of an Atom:** - An atom is defined as the smallest unit of matter. It is the basic building block of all substances. 2. **Origin of the Term:** - The word "atom" comes from the Greek word "atomos," which means "indivisible." This indicates that atoms were once thought to be the smallest particles that could not be divided further. 3. **Atoms in Relation to Matter:** - Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass. Atoms make up all matter, meaning that everything around us is composed of atoms. 4. **Role of Atoms in Chemical Reactions:** - Atoms are involved in chemical reactions. They can combine, rearrange, or break apart during these reactions, but they themselves remain unchanged. 5. **Final Definition:** - Therefore, an atom can be defined as the smallest indivisible particle of an element that can take part in a chemical change. **Conclusion:** - The correct definition of an atom is: "An atom is the smallest indivisible particle of an element that can take part in a chemical change." ---

**Step-by-Step Solution:** 1. **Understanding the Definition of an Atom:** - An atom is defined as the smallest unit of matter. It is the basic building block of all substances. 2. **Origin of the Term:** - The word "atom" comes from the Greek word "atomos," which means "indivisible." This indicates that atoms were once thought to be the smallest particles that could not be divided further. ...
Promotional Banner

Topper's Solved these Questions

  • MATTER

    MCGROW HILL PUBLICATION|Exercise HIGH ORDER THINKING QUESTIONS|10 Videos
  • CHEMICAL REACTIONS

    MCGROW HILL PUBLICATION|Exercise HIGHER ORDER THINKING QUESTIONS|10 Videos
  • METALS AND NON-METALS

    MCGROW HILL PUBLICATION|Exercise HIGHER ORDER THINKING QUESTIONS|10 Videos

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

The mass of an atom in atomic mass units (called the atom's istopic mass) si numerically close to the atom's

An atom with atomic number 21 belongs to the category of

The process in which an atom in a molecule is replaced by another atom

The spatial orientation of other atoms (or groups) around carbon atoms is_____when a carbon atom is bonded to four other atoms (or groups).

If the series limit of Lymen series for Hydrogen atom is equal to the series limit of Balmer series for a hydrogen like atom,then atomic number of this hydrogen like atom will be

If the series limit of Lyman series for Hydrogen atom is equal to the series limit Balmer series for a hydorgen like atom, then atomic number of this hydrogen-like atom will be

Compared with an atom of atomic weight 12 and atomic number 6 , the atom of atomic weight 13 and atomic number 6 .

The atomic mass and atomic number of lead are 208 and 82. The atomic mass and atomic number of bismuth are 209 and 83. The "neutron"//"proton" ratio in an atom

Atomic radii of fluorine atom and neon atom in angstrom units are respectively given by