are substances either elements or mixtures????????/

a substance is an element, or compound.

To determine whether a substance is an element or mixture, we need to understand the definitions of both.

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Elements are made up of only one type of atom. Examples of elements include oxygen (O), carbon (C), and iron (Fe).

A mixture, on the other hand, is a substance composed of two or more different elements or compounds that are physically combined. Mixtures can vary in their composition and can be separated by physical means like filtration, distillation, or evaporation. Examples of mixtures include saltwater, air, and soil.

So, to answer your question, substances can be either elements or mixtures. If a substance is made up of only one type of atom, it is an element. If it consists of two or more different elements or compounds combined together, it is a mixture.