Which are characteristics of an atom? (Choose all that apply.)

Question

They can only be seen by an electron microscope.

They are the smallest unit of matter

They are made of subatomic particles.

They come from compounds.

Answer 1

The characteristics of an atom from the options provided are:

1. They can only be seen by an electron microscope. (While atoms cannot be seen with a standard optical microscope due to their small size, electron microscopes can visualize structures at the atomic level.)

2. They are the smallest unit of matter. (Atoms are often considered the basic building blocks of matter, but it's worth noting that subatomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons are smaller.)

3. They are made of subatomic particles. (Atoms are composed of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.)

The statement, "They come from compounds," is not a characteristic of atoms themselves, as atoms are the fundamental units that make up compounds.

So, the applicable characteristics are:

• They can only be seen by an electron microscope.
• They are the smallest unit of matter.
• They are made of subatomic particles.