Phosphorus (P) often occurs as a waxy solid in its natural state. Ifyou subdivide a piece of phosphorus until you have the smallest concievable amount, do you end up with an atom or an element?

Question

Kamryn

Biology

4 November, 11:20

Phosphorus (P) often occurs as a waxy solid in its natural state. Ifyou subdivide a piece of phosphorus until you have the smallest concievable amount, do you end up with an atom or an element?

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Answers (1)

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Nick · Answer 1

An atom

Explanation:

An atom is defined as the smallest, indivisible unit of a substance.

Elements are defined as the simplest part of a substance that can no longer be broken down in a reaction.

Elemental phosphorus is a substance and when a piece is subdivided until it becomes physically impossible to divide further, then it becomes an atom of phosphorus.

The correct answer is atom.