What term refers to the smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties?

The term that refers to the smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties is "atom." An atom is the fundamental building block of all matter and defines the identity of an element. Each element in the periodic table is characterized by its atomic structure, which consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

When we consider the concept of chemical properties, it is essential to understand that these properties—such as reactivity, electronegativity, and the ability to form bonds—are inherent to the atom itself. For instance, the way an atom interacts with others and participates in chemical reactions directly relates to its electron configuration and the presence of specific atomic structure components.

Other terms like ion, molecule, and compound refer to different concepts. An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons and thus carries a charge. A molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together, which can be of the same element or different elements. A compound specifically refers to a substance formed when two or more different elements are chemically bonded.

However, in all cases, it is the atom that serves as the basic unit with distinct chemical properties. Therefore, the atom is recognized as the smallest unit maintaining the chemical characteristics