1. silicon is a(n) 2. the smallest piece of silicon still retaining the characteristics of silicon is called a(n) 3. silica is a(n) 4. the smallest piece of silica still retaining the characteristics of silica is called a(n) 5. quartz is a(n) 6. granite is a(n) 7. elements are defined based on the number of 8. in general, an unbalanced atom is called a(n) 9. specifically, an atom that has gained electrons is called a(n)