Question

For all elements, the smallest particle that can exist independently is an atom. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Answer 1

No, I do not agree. An atom is the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction but may or may not exist independently. e.g. atoms of oxygen, chlorine and a few other elements are unstable independently, so they join to form a molecule which is more stable and independent in nature. That's why elements like oxygen and chlorine are generally found as O₂ and Cl₂. Hence, for all elements, we can not say that the smallest particle 'atom' will always exist independently.