Question

The smallest unit of an element that may or may not have an independent existence but always takes part in a chemical reaction is _________ .

Answer 1

1. Matter is made up of similar or different types of atoms.
2. Atom is the smallest unit of an element that may or may not have an independent existence.
3. An atom always takes part in a chemical reaction.

Hence, the smallest unit of an element that may or may not have an independent existence but always takes part in a chemical reaction is an atom.