Chapter 1

Question 1

Explain what an elements is

Answer 1

• An element is a pure substance.
• It cannot be broken down by any chemical means

(For example, water or H20 can be broken down to isolate the Oxygen atoms or Hydrogen Atoms, but you cannot further break down the Oxygen or Hydrogen).

• It consists of atoms that have identical number or protons, so therefore the number of protons is the defining property of an element.

Question 2

Explain what an atom is