an element
A pure substance is called an element . An element is a pure substance because it cannot be separated into any other substances. Currently, 92 different elements are known to exist in nature, although additional elements have been formed in labs. All matter consists of one or more of these elements. Some elements are very common; others are relatively rare. The most common element in the universe is hydrogen, which is part of Earths atmosphere and a component of water. The most common element in Earths atmosphere is nitrogen, and the most common element in Earths crust is oxygen. Several other elements are described in the musical video at this URL:.