which of the following could not be reduced to a simpler piece of matter? compound, solution, element, mechanical mixture?
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is 13.30g (wooden block)sink or swim?
To determine which of the following could not be reduced to a simpler piece of matter, we need to understand the differences between compounds, solutions, elements, and mechanical mixtures.
1. Compound: A compound is a substance composed of two or more elements chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. Compounds can be broken down into simpler substances through chemical reactions. For example, water (H2O) is a compound that can be broken down into its constituent elements, hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O).
2. Solution: A solution is a homogeneous mixture made up of a solute dissolved in a solvent. Solutions can be separated into their individual components through physical means like evaporation or distillation. For example, sugar dissolved in water is a solution, which can be separated by boiling off the water to obtain pure sugar.
3. Element: An element is a pure substance composed of only one type of atom. Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances through chemical means. Examples of elements include oxygen (O), carbon (C), and iron (Fe).
4. Mechanical mixture: A mechanical mixture is a mixture of different substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded. The components of a mechanical mixture can be separated using physical methods like filtration or picking them apart. For example, a salad is a mechanical mixture of various vegetables that can be separated.
Now, to answer the question, we need to determine which of these options cannot be broken down into simpler substances. The option that fits this criterion is an element. Elements are the simplest form of matter and cannot be reduced to simpler components through chemical reactions.
Therefore, the correct answer is "element."
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