Question

multiple choice question
an element is defined as
a pure substance that can be broken down into simpler substances by a physical process
a pure substance that can be broken down to simpler substances by a chemical reaction
a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by a chemical reaction
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Explanation:

By definition, an element is a pure - substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances via chemical reactions. Physical processes also cannot break it into simpler substances in the context of elemental identity.

Answer:

C. a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by a chemical reaction