Final answer:
The simplest types of naturally occurring matter with specific chemical properties are elements, which cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. There are 118 elements known, but only 98 occur naturally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The simplest types of matter with certain chemical properties that are naturally occurring are known as elements. Elements are pure substances that cannot be broken down into chemically simpler components by ordinary chemical means. There are 118 elements known to science, but only 98 occur naturally. For instance, aluminum used in soda cans is an element, and it exhibits a unique set of physical and chemical properties, such as its lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion.
While there are over 100 elements, there is an even greater number of compounds, which are formed by combining two or more elements. Each compound, such as water (H2O), has a specific composition and properties that distinguish it from other compounds. Atoms are the smallest units of an element that retain all the chemical properties of that element. When atoms bond together, they can form molecules, which may consist of one or more elements.