what is the smallest subdivision of a material that still has the same chemical properties of that material
The atom is the smallest subdivision of an element which still retains the properties of that element. In fact, a very good definition of an atom is: the smallest part of an element that can enter into a chemical combination. There are around 118 elements known to man, of which 20-30 are really, really important.he parallel definition (to the element one above) for the molecule is: the smallest part of a compound that can enter into a chemical combination. Another definition, equally good, is that a molecule is the smallest stable part of a compound. Water is a typical example of a compound.
An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the identity (and the chemical properties) of that element. + 66 others found this useful. Sandra Pinzon.Edit.he atom is the smallest particle of an element that retains it's characteristics. Sub-atomic particles such as protons, neutrons and electrons form the atom and it is the amo â¦ unt of each of these sub-atomic particles that make the element that element. 5 people found this useful.