Question

Which of the following is NOT true of atoms?

A) They are extremely small
B) They can make up elements.
C) They are composed of molecules.
D) They can combine with other atoms.

Answer 1

Atoms are extremely small units that make up elements and can combine to form molecules, which are made of two or more atoms bonded together. The incorrect statement is that atoms are composed of molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The answer to the student's question is C) They are composed of molecules. Atoms are indeed extremely small and can combine with other atoms to form various substances. They do make up elements, as each element is comprised of a unique type of atom. However, atoms themselves are not composed of molecules; rather, molecules are composed of two or more atoms joined by chemical bonds. Atoms can join together in specific ways to form molecules, such as H2O for water or O2 for molecular oxygen. It's the other way around – atoms form molecules, not molecules forming atoms.