Q. 2.5 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Explain the following statement: The smallest particles unique to an element may be atoms or molecules.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

An element is always made up of the same type of atoms or molecules which means the smallest particles unique to an element may be atoms or molecules.

 

Step 1: Element made up of atoms

The atoms are the smallest particles of the element, having the same chemical properties as the bulk element.  This means on breaking an element we will get different atoms of the same type.

Step 2: Element made up of molecules

But in some elements, atoms are bonded together, to form diatomic molecules. Each part of the molecule has the same component characteristics. Like oxygen, the element is made up of diatomic   molecules. That means an element is made up of the same type of atoms or molecules.