The basic unit of matter is the atom , which is the smallest component that retains the properties of an element. While molecules and compounds consist of atoms bonded together, they are not the fundamental units themselves. Understanding the structure of atoms is essential in chemistry, as all matter is composed of them. ;
The basic unit of matter is the atom, which is the smallest part of an element that retains its properties. Atoms combine to form molecules and compounds, but they themselves are the fundamental building blocks of all matter. Therefore, the correct answer is A. atom.
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