The smallest particle of an element which may or may not have independent existence is called a/an

Options

A. atom
B. molecule
C. compound
D. ion

Explanation

To solve the question, "The smallest particle of an element which may or may not have independent existence is called a/an," we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Elements
- Elements are pure substances that consist of only one type of atom. This means that while there can be multiple atoms present, they all belong to the same element.

**Hint:** Recall that elements are the basic building blocks of matter and cannot be broken down into simpler substances through chemical reactions.

### Step 2: Identify the Smallest Particle of an Element
- The smallest particle of an element is called an atom. Atoms are the fundamental units of elements and are the smallest units that retain the properties of that element.

**Hint:** Think about what the term "smallest particle" implies in the context of chemistry.

### Step 3: Consider Independent Existence
- Atoms can exist independently or in combination with other atoms. For example, a single oxygen atom (O) can exist, but it is more commonly found as O2 (a molecule of oxygen). This indicates that some atoms do not have independent existence in nature.

**Hint:** Reflect on examples of elements that exist as single atoms versus those that exist as molecules.

### Step 4: Conclude the Answer
- Based on the understanding that the smallest particle of an element is an atom, and that these atoms can exist independently or in pairs (or larger groups), we conclude that the answer to the question is "atom."

**Final Answer:** The smallest particle of an element which may or may not have independent existence is called an **atom**.