Question

The statement given below is incorrect. Write the correct statement.

The smallest unit of matter which always has an independent existence is called an atom.

Answer 1

The correct statement is - The smallest unit of matter which always has an independent existence, is called a molecule.

• An atom is the smallest particle that represents an element in a chemical reaction.
• But atoms of all the elements do not have an independent existence.
• For example - in nature, oxygen exists as ${\mathrm{O}}_2$, sulphur as ${\mathrm{S}}_8$, etc.
• Atoms generally exist in two forms - as molecules or as ions.
• Therefore, a Molecule is the smallest particle of a substance that has the properties of that substance and can exist in the Free State.