the smallest particle that has all the characteristics of a compound. the smallest particle that has all the characteristics of an element. a charged particle that is similar to a molecule. a charged particle that is larger than a molecule.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: An atom can best be described as

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- the smallest particle that has all the characteristics of a compound.
- the smallest particle that has all the characteristics of an element.
- a charged particle that is similar to a molecule.
- a charged particle that is larger than a molecule.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

the smallest particle that has all the characteristics of an element.