A sample of an unknown substance was tested in a laboratory.The sample could not be decomposed by chemical or physical means.Based on these results the laboratory reported that the sample was most likely a(n)
A)compound.
B)element.
C)solution.
D)mixture.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the substance could not be decomposed by chemical or physical means, it must be an element. Compounds and mixtures can be broken down into their constituent parts through chemical or physical processes, but elements cannot be further broken down. A solution is a homogeneous mixture, so it can be physically separated into its components. Therefore, B) element is the best choice based on the given information.

A Sample of an Unknown Substance Was Tested in a Laboratory.The