Question
An individual element on its own, NOT BONDED to another, is... an atom an animal cell a molecule a metal
Answer
4.4
(244 Votes)
Hugo
Veteran · Tutor for 9 years
Answer
An atom.
Explanation
## Step 1: This question revolves around basic knowledge of chemistry, particularly the definition and properties of an element.## Step 2:An atom receives its definition as a basic unit of matter that consists of a dense central core called the nucleus where protons and neutrons are contained, surrounded by a spatial region with electrons.## Step 3:In contrast, a molecule is a combination of two or more atoms bonded together.## Step 4:An "element" refers to the scientists' classification of all basic substances, which are entities that consist only of atoms with the identical number of protons (the atomic number).## Step 5:Neither a metal nor an animal cell fits into this context because a metal is a specific kind of element exhibiting certain physical properties, and an animal cell is a fundamental bio-unit in the biology field, not in that of elements or atoms.## Step 6:Thereby, given all definitions, if an element is not bonded to another element, it must be referred to as an atom, not a molecule, metal, or an animal cell.