Answer:
Atoms
Step-by-step explanation:
Atoms are the smallest particle that can be identified from a chemical element and participate in chemical reactions.
All atoms are composed (at least) of a proton and an electron, and may also have neutrons (the hydrogen atom has no neutron).
Elements are substances composed of atoms of a certain type.
A molecule is formed when atoms of the same or different elements combine. A molecule is the smallest particle of a substance that can normally exist independently.
Example: A carbon atom combines with two oxygen atoms to form a carbon dioxide molecule [CO₂]
A compound is formed when atoms or molecules of different elements combine. In a compound, the elements are chemically combined in a fixed ratio.
Example: Hydrogen and oxygen are combined at a fixed ratio of 2: 1 to form the water compound [H₂O].