A(n) ___ is the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element.

solution

mixture

molecule

atom

atom

The correct answer is "atom."

The correct answer is "atom".

To understand why, we need to first define what an element is. An element is a pure substance that is made up of only one type of atom.
Now, an atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element. In other words, it is the basic building block of matter. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
So, when we say that an atom retains the properties of an element, it means that all atoms of the same element have the same chemical and physical properties. For example, all hydrogen atoms have similar properties, such as being a gas at room temperature and being highly flammable.
Therefore, an atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element.