Question

Which cannot be broken down chemically or physically into a simpler substance? (sugar, salt, seawater, copper)

Answer 1

Copper is the only element amongst the given options, and it cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical or physical means.

Step-by-step explanation:

In chemistry, substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means are known as elements. Among the options given, copper is the only substance that fits this definition and thus cannot be broken down into a simpler substance neither chemically nor physically.

Sugar and salt are compounds, meaning that they can be broken down into simpler substances—sugar into carbon and water, and salt into sodium and chlorine. Seawater is a mixture, which can be physically separated into its components such as water, salts, and other minerals.