Microbiology: A Systems Approach
Microbiology: A Systems Approach
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781259706615
Author: Marjorie Kelly Cowan Professor
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 2, Problem 1MCQ

The smallest unit of matter with unique characteristics is

  1. a. an electron.
  2. b. a molecule.
  3. c. an atom.
  4. d. a proton.
Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Atom is a simplest unit of matter composed of particles like electrons, neutrons and electrons. Protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus; electrons are present in the outer orbitals and contain a negative charge. Neutrons do not possess any charge and are present in the nucleus.

Answer to Problem 1MCQ

Correct answer:

Simplest unit of matter with unique characteristics is called as an atom.

Therefore, option (c) is correct.

Option (c) is given as “an atom”.

Explanation of Solution

Justify the reason for the correct statement:

As the atom is the smallest unit of matter and it cannot be divided further. Therefore, it exhibits unique characteristics with the presence of charged particles inside it.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Justify reasons for incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “an electron”.

An electron consists of a negative charge and these particles are present in the outer orbital. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as “a molecule”.

A molecule is composed of various atoms. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as “a proton”.

A proton is a positively charged particle present in the nucleus. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Atom is a substance which cannot be broken into smaller parts, therefore, it is considered the smallest unit of matter.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
The smallest particle of an element that still has the chemical characteristics of that element is a(n)a. electron. c. neutron. e. atom.b. molecule. d. proton.
The smallest unit of any substance is the . a. atom b. molecule c. cell
The following is made up of two or more different types of elements grouped together as a unit: O a. Cell Ob. Atom O c. Molecule O d. Compound Oe. Tissue
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
GCSE Chemistry - Acids and Bases #34; Author: Cognito;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt8fB3MFzLk;License: Standard youtube license