Answer: An atom is the smallest particle of an element which still retains the properties of the element.
Explanation: An atom is made up of three components: electrons, protons and neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged and are located in the shells where they revolve round the nucleus. Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus. Protons are positively charged while neutrons have no charge. The negative charges on the electrons balance the positive charges on the protons thereby making an atom neutral.
