Carbon is not a pure mixture; it is a pure element. In chemistry, a pure substance is one that has a uniform and definite composition. Elements are the simplest form of matter and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Carbon, with the chemical symbol C and atomic number 6, is one of the elements found on the periodic table.
When we talk about pure substances, we are referring to either elements or compounds. Elements consist of only one type of atom, while compounds are made up of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together. Since carbon consists solely of carbon atoms, it is classified as an element, not a mixture.
Mixtures, on the other hand, are combinations of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded. They can be separated by physical means, such as filtration or evaporation. Examples of mixtures include air, which is a mixture of gases, and saltwater, which is a mixture of salt and water.
In summary, carbon is a pure element, not a pure mixture. It is composed solely of carbon atoms and cannot be separated into simpler substances by physical or chemical means.