What is the smallest particle of an element that retains the properties of that element?

1 Answer
Oct 13, 2016

It's called a molecule, the smallest particle that has the same properties of any pure compound or element.

Explanation:

Most elements can exist as mono-atomic molecules, but some have molecules consisting of more than one atom of the element.
Examples are #F_2,Cl_2, Br_2, O_2, N_2, P_4#
An element like sulphur can have different properties according to the number of atoms per molecule.