Judge the following statements as true or false. If you believe a statement to be false, provide a corrected version. (a) Air and water are both elements.
Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement
Chapter 1, Problem 92c
Judge the following statements as true or false. If you believe a statement to be false, provide a corrected version. (c) Compounds can be decomposed into two or more other substances; elements cannot.

1
Understand the definition of a compound: A compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together.
Understand the definition of an element: An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Evaluate the statement: Compounds can indeed be decomposed into two or more other substances through chemical reactions, such as decomposition reactions.
Evaluate the statement: Elements cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by chemical means, which is true.
Conclude that the statement is true as it correctly describes the nature of compounds and elements.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Compounds vs. Elements
Compounds are substances formed from two or more elements that are chemically bonded together, while elements are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. For example, water (H2O) is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen, whereas hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) are elements.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Homonuclear vs. Heteronuclear Compounds
Decomposition Reactions
Decomposition reactions involve breaking down a compound into its constituent elements or simpler compounds. This process can occur through various means, such as heating or electrolysis. For instance, when water is electrolyzed, it decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen gases.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Alcohol Reactions: Dehydration Reactions
Chemical Stability of Elements
Elements are considered the most basic form of matter and cannot be decomposed into simpler substances through chemical reactions. Each element is defined by its number of protons, and while they can combine to form compounds, they retain their identity and cannot be broken down further chemically.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Intepreting the Band of Stability
Related Practice
Textbook Question
34
views
Textbook Question
Judge the following statements as true or false. If you believe a statement to be false, provide a corrected version. (b) All mixtures contain at least one element and one compound.
38
views
Textbook Question
Judge the following statements as true or false. If you believe a statement to be false, provide a corrected version. (d) Elements can exist in any of the three states of matter.
Textbook Question
Judge the following statements as true or false. If you believe a statement to be false, provide a corrected version. (f) A hypothesis is more weakly supported by experimental evidence than a theory.
47
views
Textbook Question
Judge the following statements as true or false. If you believe a statement to be false, provide a corrected version. (g) The number 0.0033 has more significant figures than 0.033.
2
views