Final answer:
False. The smallest part of a compound that retains the properties of that compound is a molecule, not an atom. A compound is made of atoms of different elements connected by chemical bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'An atom is the smallest part of a compound' is false. An atom is the basic unit of matter, but a compound is made up of atoms of different elements connected by chemical bonds. Therefore, the smallest part of a compound that still retains the properties of that compound is actually a molecule, not an atom. For example, water (H2O) is a compound made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The smallest part of water that still has the properties of water is a single water molecule, which includes both the hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
Learn more about Atoms and Compounds