An example of basic research is A) the development of new plastics that can be recycled. B) the study of the relationship between the amount of automobile emissions gases in the atmosphere and the decomposition of atmospheric ozone. C) the study of the composition of the atom. D) the design of new batteries for electric cars. E) the study of natural compounds in sea animals to look for new molecules that can be used for medicine.

C) the study of the composition of the atom.

Explanation:

A research can be defined as a systematic investigation or careful consideration of study with respect to a particular problem using scientific methods such as collection of data, documenting critical information, analysis of data, and the establishment of facts in order to reach new conclusions.

Similarly, a basic research is an approach to research that's typically theoritical and it's aimed at developing a theory, searching for the truth or gain a better understanding about a phenomenon, subject, or basic laws on nature.

In this context, an example of basic research is the study of the composition of the atom.

An atom can be defined as the smallest unit comprising of matter that forms all chemical elements. Thus, atoms are basically the building blocks of matters and as such determines or defines the structure of a chemical element.

Generally, atoms are typically made up of three distinct particles and these are protons, neutrons and electrons.

the answer would be c