Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how a compound is different from an element?
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1. Intro to General Chemistry
Classification of Matter
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How many different substances can an element be broken down into by chemical means?
A
Zero
B
Two
C
One
D
Many
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definition of an element: An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Recall that chemical means involve reactions such as decomposition, combination, or displacement, which can break compounds into simpler substances but cannot break elements into other substances.
Since elements are the simplest form of matter with unique atoms, they cannot be chemically decomposed into different substances.
Therefore, the number of different substances an element can be broken down into by chemical means is zero.
Note that the correct interpretation is that elements cannot be broken down further chemically, so the answer is 'Zero'.
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