Apure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by physical or chemical means is known as a(n)

The answer should be an element.

Theres over 100 elements in the world, each consisting only one kind of atoms. Examples include oxygen, helium, hydrogen and so much more. Some are found free, such as gold or silver, but some are chemically combined to other elements when found. Elements cannot be broken down even by chemical methods such as electrolysis or heat.

When elements chemically combines together, they're known as compounds. They have very different properties too.