Question

Two substances, A and Z, are to be identified. Substance A can not be broken down by a chemical change. Substance Z can be broken down by a chemical change. What can be concluded about these substances?

(1) Both substances are elements.
(2) Both substances are compounds.
(3) Substance A is an element and substance Z is a compound.
(4) Substance A is a compound and substance Z is an element.

Answer 1

The answer is 3). This is because elements are the simplest form of a substance, and cannot be broken down any further. Compounds on the other hand are much more complex than elements and can be broken down INTO elements. For example, Na, sodium, is an element and cannot be broken down further. H2O, water, is a compound and can be broken down into Hydrogen and Oxygen.