What is an element?

An element is defined as a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances through chemical means. This definition highlights the fundamental nature of elements as the basic building blocks of matter. Each element consists of atoms that are identical in terms of their number of protons, and they cannot be decomposed into other substances.

Elements are distinguished from other types of matter, such as compounds and mixtures. A compound consists of two or more elements that have chemically combined, while a mixture contains two or more substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded. The properties of elements are fundamental to understanding chemical reactions, as they determine how substances interact with one another.

The other options pertain to concepts that do not accurately reflect the definition of an element. For instance, a substance made up of two or more elements chemically combined would describe a compound, not an element. A mixture of compounds also does not align with the pure and indivisible nature of an element. Lastly, while some elements may exist as gases at room temperature, not all do; for example, metals like iron and copper are solid at room temperature, so this option does not encapsulate the complete definition of an element. Therefore, understanding that an element is an indivisible pure substance is essential for deline