What is the smallest part of a compound that retains its properties?

The correct answer is molecule. A molecule is defined as the smallest unit of a chemical compound that can still retain the chemical properties of that compound. It is formed when two or more atoms are chemically bonded together. When a molecule is broken down into individual atoms, those atoms do not necessarily exhibit the same properties as the molecule itself because they may no longer possess the characteristics that arise from the specific arrangement and bonding of those atoms in the compound.

Understanding this concept is fundamental in chemistry, as it differentiates between elements, compounds, and mixtures. An atom is the smallest unit of an element and does not retain the properties of compounds, while ions are charged particles that may result from the addition or removal of electrons from an atom or molecule. An element, on the other hand, consists of one type of atom and does not refer to the smallest part of a compound. Therefore, it is the molecule that encapsulates the essence of a compound’s properties while maintaining its structural integrity.