What is the basic unit of matter?

What is the basic unit of matter?

• A. Molecule
• B. Nucleus
• C. Atom
• D. Cell

Answer: (C)

Atoms are the basic unit of matter because they are the smallest unit that retains the properties of an element. Each atom has a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, with electrons surrounding it in regions called electron clouds. When atoms bond, they form molecules, which are larger structures built from multiple atoms. The nucleus is just the center of the atom, not the unit of matter itself, and a cell is a fundamental unit of life—not the basic unit of matter in chemistry.

Atoms are the basic unit of matter because they are the smallest unit that retains the properties of an element. Each atom has a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, with electrons surrounding it in regions called electron clouds. When atoms bond, they form molecules, which are larger structures built from multiple atoms. The nucleus is just the center of the atom, not the unit of matter itself, and a cell is a fundamental unit of life—not the basic unit of matter in chemistry.