PSI Barbering Practice Exam

In chemistry, what is a substance composed of only one type of particle?

1. Mixture

2. Element

3. Compound

4. Solution

The correct answer is: Element

A substance composed of only one type of particle is defined as an element. Elements are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances through chemical means. They consist of atoms that share the same number of protons and exhibit specific characteristics unique to that particular type of particle. In contrast, mixtures are combinations of two or more substances that retain their individual properties and can often be separated by physical means. Compounds, on the other hand, are substances formed when two or more elements chemically bond in fixed proportions, resulting in new properties that differ from those of the individual elements. A solution is a specific type of mixture where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent), creating a uniformly distributed mixture. Thus, the identification of an element as a substance with only one type of particle is what makes it distinct in the world of chemistry.