The basic particles from which matter could be made up of are as follow, except?

Analyze the question: The question asks which option is NOT a basic particle that matter is made of. Note the word "except".

Explain the concept: In chemistry, matter is made up of three basic kinds of particles:

• Atom: the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction (e.g. Na, Cl, Fe).
• Molecule: a group of two or more atoms chemically bonded together (e.g. H₂O, O₂, CO₂).
• Ion: a charged particle formed when an atom or group of atoms loses or gains electrons (e.g. Na⁺, Cl⁻).

Solution, checking each option:

• A. Salt: A salt (such as NaCl) is a compound, a substance. It is made up of particles (ions), but it is not itself a basic particle. It is a substance made from particles.
• B. Atom: a basic particle.
• C. Ion: a basic particle.
• D. Molecule: a basic particle.

Since atoms, ions and molecules are all basic particles, the odd one out is salt.

Answer: A. Salt

Exam tip: Remember the trio "AIM": Atom, Ion, Molecule are the particles of matter. Anything that is a named substance (salt, water, sugar, acid) is a compound or substance, not a basic particle. In "except" questions, look for the option that belongs to a different category from the rest.