Which of the following is true about an individual atom? Explain. a. An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. b. An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. c. An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. d. The state of the atom depends on which element it is. e. An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. Justify your choice, and for choices you did not pick, explain what is wrong with them.

An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains the properties of that element. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons orbiting the nucleus. Atoms bond together to form molecules, which in turn form the various states of matter, such as solids, liquids, and gases. A single atom cannot be considered a state of matter.

a. An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. This statement is incorrect because solids are formed by the regular arrangement of atoms or molecules in a fixed structure. An individual atom is not characterized by such an arrangement. b. An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. This statement is also incorrect because liquids are formed by atoms or molecules that are close together but can move past each other. An individual atom cannot exhibit this behavior. c. An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. This statement is inaccurate as well. Gases are formed by atoms or molecules that are far apart from one another and move freely. An individual atom cannot represent the properties of a gas. d. The state of the atom depends on which element it is. This statement is incorrect because, as previously explained, an individual atom cannot be defined as a state of matter. The states of matter are dependent upon the arrangement and movement of multiple atoms or molecules, not a single atom.

e. An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. This statement is true. An individual atom does not have the properties that define any of these states of matter. The states of matter arise from the collective behavior of multiple atoms or molecules, rather than from a single atom.

An individual atom is not categorized as a solid, liquid, or gas because it does not exhibit the properties of these states of matter. Solids, liquids, and gases are defined by the arrangement and behavior of atoms or molecules in relation to one another. A single atom cannot display these properties on its own. Therefore, option e is the correct choice.