Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

2. Atoms & Elements

The Atom

General Chemistry

2. Atoms & Elements

The Atom

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with General Chemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

What is the smallest particle of an element that still retains the properties of that element?

Atom

Electron

Molecule

Proton

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Begin by understanding the basic structure of matter. Matter is composed of elements, and each element is made up of atoms.

Recognize that an atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Differentiate between atoms and molecules. A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.

Consider the role of subatomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus, protons are positively charged particles within the nucleus, and neutrons are neutral particles also within the nucleus.

Conclude that while electrons, protons, and neutrons are components of an atom, they do not individually retain the properties of the element. Therefore, the atom is the smallest particle that retains the properties of an element.