yes they can. mostly through electrolysis
Organic compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are broken down into simpler substances through processes like digestion and metabolism. Inorganic compounds such as water and minerals can also be broken down into simpler components through physical or chemical processes.
Chemical compounds.
compounds
Chemical compounds.
decomposition
Compounds are made up of 2 or more elements.Compounds can be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means, but elements cannot.Compounds are made up of 2 or more elements. Compounds can be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means, but elements cannot.
Elements and compounds (pure substances) cannot be broken down by physical changes.
They can be broken down by chemical changes, or they form simpler compounds.
when one compound reacts and is broken down into different elements or simpler compounds.
This kind of reaction is called "decomposition".
both are pure substances, but atoms represent the smallest bits of elements. compounds are chemically combined atoms, molecules represent the smallest bits of compounds. atoms cannot be broken down into simpler substances, compounds can be broken down into atoms.
Copper is an element and can not be broken down to a simpler substance.