Question

Smallest particle of an element or a compound which is capable of independent existence is called:

• A. atom
• B. molecule
• C. element
• D. compound

Answer 1

The correct option is B molecule

Smallest particle of an element or a compound which is capable of independent existence is called molecule.A molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically.Molecules of elements like noble gases such as helium,neon etc are made up of one atom only(molecules are capable of independent existence while atoms are not capable of independent existence).Only in these case atoms are capable of independent existence.Noble gases are monoatomic.