Here's why:
* Atoms are the building blocks of elements. Calcium (Ca) is an element, and atoms are the smallest unit of that element.
* Atoms retain the element's properties. A single calcium atom has the same chemical properties as a larger chunk of calcium metal. This means it will react in the same way with other elements or compounds.
* Smaller particles don't have the same properties. If you break a calcium atom down further, you get subatomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles do not have the same chemical properties as calcium.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
