Question

The Greek term ‘atomos’ means:

• A. divisible
• B. indivisible
• C. macro molecule
• D. soft sphere

Hint:

The term "atom" is derived from the Greek word "atomos," which means indivisible, reflecting the early theory that atoms were the fundamental building blocks of matter.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

• Option 1: Divisible - This is incorrect. The term "atomos" actually refers to something that cannot be divided, not something that can be divided. 
• Option 2: Indivisible - This is the correct answer. The Greek term "atomos" means "indivisible," referring to the belief that matter is made up of small, indivisible particles, which is the origin of the word "atom."
• Option 3: Macro molecule - This is incorrect. "Macro molecule" refers to large molecules, such as proteins or DNA, and is unrelated to the Greek term "atomos."
• Option 4: Soft sphere - This is not correct. The term "atomos" does not refer to a "soft sphere" but to an indivisible particle.

Explanation:

The term “atomos” comes from Greek, meaning “indivisible.” Ancient Greek philosophers believed that matter could be divided only up to a certain point, and beyond that, the particle would be indivisible. This concept later evolved into our modern understanding of atoms in chemistry.

Answer 2

Breaking the Greek word itself into its parts settles this question directly, since the word is built from a prefix and a root with clear meanings.

1. Divisible: The Greek prefix meaning not, attached to a root word, normally reverses that root's meaning, so a word built this way should mean the opposite of divisible, not divisible itself.
2. Indivisible: The word combines the Greek prefix for not with a root meaning cuttable, from the verb to cut, giving the overall meaning not cuttable, or indivisible. Ancient philosophers used this word for the smallest possible particle of matter, one that could not be split further.
3. Macro molecule: This is a modern English chemistry term for a large molecule such as a protein, and it has no relation to the original Greek roots at all.
4. Soft sphere: Neither of the Greek roots carries any meaning related to softness or shape, so this translation does not match the word's actual roots.

The prefix meaning not, combined with the root meaning cuttable, gives the literal meaning indivisible.

So the correct answer is Indivisible.