Question

oxygen is composed of only one kind of atom and cant be separated into simpler substances. what type of matter is it?
a. solution
b. element
c. mixture
d. compound
e. colloid

Explanation:

To determine the type of matter oxygen is, we analyze each option:

• Option A (solution): A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, so oxygen (a single substance) is not a solution.
• Option B (element): An element is a pure substance composed of only one kind of atom and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Oxygen fits this definition.
• Option C (mixture): A mixture consists of two or more different substances physically combined. Oxygen is a single substance, not a mixture.
• Option D (compound): A compound is a pure substance made of two or more different elements chemically combined. Oxygen has only one type of atom, so it's not a compound.
• Option E (colloid): A colloid is a type of mixture with dispersed particles, which oxygen is not.

Answer:

B. element