GED Science Practice

An element is defined as a pure substance consisting solely of one type of atom, which cannot be broken down into a simpler substance by chemical means. It represents the fundamental building blocks of matter. Although "C," in your answer, refers to an artifact being part of a composite entity, it does not capture the essence of what an element truly is.

The correct understanding of an element is better aligned with the definition of the simplest form of matter that retains its own properties and can combine with other elements to form compounds. Thus, in a scientific context, elements are the basic constituents that define the physical properties of materials. The other options pertain to entirely different concepts in biology, chemistry, and physical science, further confirming that they don't align with the definition of an element.