Question

Which of the following best describes atoms?

Option 1: Energy that moves an object from one position to another
Option 2: Minerals that are used by living organisms to produce food
Option 3: Tiny particles that are the building blocks for matter
Option 4: Water molecules too small to see without a microscope

Answer 1

Atoms are tiny particles that serve as the building blocks for matter. They consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and are the smallest units of elements that retain the elements' properties and engage in chemical reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best description of atoms is Option 3: Tiny particles that are the building blocks for matter. An atom is the simplest and smallest particle of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. Atoms are indeed the foundational elements of all matter, whether it be the material that makes up living organisms or inanimate objects. Each element is composed of identical atoms, and these atoms are so small that they can only be seen with the most powerful microscopes.

Atoms consist of three main types of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles come together to form the overall structure of an atom, which is the smallest unit of an element that can engage in chemical reactions and form chemical compounds when combined with other atoms. Atoms are small in size around 100 picometers (1×10-10 m), which is much smaller than what the normal eye can perceive.