In the following question, two statements 'A' and 'R' are given. Read the statements carefully and mark the answer as follows.

Statement A: The atom is the smallest particle of the substance which takes part in a chemical reaction.

Statement R: Smallest particle of the substance capable of independent existence is a molecule.

The correct option is B

If 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct reason for 'A'.

Statement A: The atom is the smallest particle of the substance which takes part in a chemical reaction.

It is the correct statement.

• Atom is the smallest unit and is the building block of matter.
• It is also the smallest particle that takes part in a chemical reaction.
• It does not have an independent existence because it can lose or gain electrons to form ions.

Statement R: Smallest particle of the substance capable of independent existence is a molecule.

It is a correct statement.

• Molecules are the smallest particles that have their own independent existence.
• Independent existence means it is stable without being dependent on any other substance.

Both the statements are correct.

But “R” is not the reason for “A”.

Thus, 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct reason for ‘A’ i.e. option (b) is correct.