Why are elements considered substances?

Answer 1

Elements are simple substances because they represent the basic unique combinations of the protons, electrons and neutrons that are the building blocks of matter. As we reduce matter to simple units, we'll encounter chemical compounds, and these can have many, many varied structures. But all the materials made of these numerous compounds are, in the end, made up of atoms. And the thing that makes atoms unique is that all of them are one kind of element or another. That's a good argument for why elements are very simple substances.

Answer 2

Are they? - Elements consist of a single type of atom. Atoms can be divided into smaller pieces, but when you do that, you lose the properties of the element. For example, if you divide a carbon atom into its neutrons, protons, and electrons - or simply take one or more protons away - you will no longer have carbon.

Answer 3

because the elements cannot be broken down into different elements and are therefore in their simplest from.

Answer 4

Yes - you might call them that. More specifically, element refers to one "type" of atom, where the type is defined by the number of protons.

Answer 5

They an be. But some simple substances are not elements while some elements are not simple substances.