Answer:
takes part in a chemical reaction
Step-by-step explanation:
An atom is defined as the smallest part of an element that takes part in a chemical reaction.
When chemicals react, they simply exchange their atoms and recombine to form compounds where the atoms inside of them have a stable configuration.
- In a chemical reaction, atoms are not broken down to simpler forms.
- Chemical reactions do now break down atoms.
- By losing, sharing or gaining of electrons, atoms simply form compounds and molecules.