What is a pure substance that consists entirely of one type of atom?

1 Answer
Feb 21, 2017

An element

Explanation:

If there is only one kind of atom in a molecule or crystal matrix like a metal it is an element.

If there are two kinds of atom in a molecule it is a compound. If there are two kinds of atoms in a crystal metal matrix it is a mixture and not a pure substance.

The type of atoms in a pure substance determine if the substance is compound or an element.