Which of the following is a/an element

Options

A. 22 carat gold
B. German silver
C. Graphite
D. Dry ice.

Answer

To determine which of the given options is an element, we need to understand what an element is. An element is a pure substance that consists of only one type of atom, characterized by having the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Options**: The question presents several substances. We need to analyze each one to see if it qualifies as an element.

2. **Analyze 22 Carat Gold**:
- 22 carat gold is not a pure substance; it is an alloy made of gold and other metals, typically copper.
- **Conclusion**: This is not an element.

3. **Analyze German Silver**:
- German silver is also an alloy composed of copper, zinc, and nickel.
- **Conclusion**: This is not an element.

4. **Analyze Graphite**:
- Graphite is a form of carbon, which is a chemical element.
- It consists solely of carbon atoms arranged in a specific structure (hexagonal layers).
- **Conclusion**: This is an element.

5. **Analyze Dry Ice**:
- Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a compound made of carbon and oxygen atoms.
- **Conclusion**: This is not an element.

6. **Final Conclusion**: Among the options analyzed, graphite is the only substance that is an element.

### Answer:
The correct answer is **Graphite** (which is a form of the element Carbon).

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