Question

2. Tick the most appropriate answer:

(V) The smallest unit of matter, which has an independent existence and can retain complete physical and chemical properties of matter, is called

• A. atoms
• B. molecules
• C. radicals
• D. ions

Answer 1

The correct option is B

molecules

Explanation for correct option:

(B)

• A molecule is defined as the smallest unit of matter, which has an independent existence and can retain the complete physical and chemical properties of matter.
• it is made up of one or more atoms that are joined by covalent (chemical) bonds.

Explanation for incorrect options:

(A)

• The smallest unit of an element is defined as the atom, which may or may not have an independent existence but always participates in a chemical reaction.
• For example, atoms of hydrogen$\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$ is the smallest particle of hydrogen that has the properties of hydrogen.

(C)

Radicals are atoms of one element or a collection of atoms of other elements that function as a single unit with a positive or negative charge.

(D)

Ions are atoms that have an unequal number of electrons and protons. Ions are electrically charged particles. Ions can be either positively or negatively charged.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).