Why can’t elements be separated into smaller parts using chemical means?

Answer 1

That's the definition of an element. If it could be separated chemically, it wouldn't be an element. Practically speaking, the reason is that the element is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom, and the energy involved in chemical reactions usually isn't high enough to produce changes in the nucleus. I say "usually" because in a few special cases, like in an atomic bomb, the energy of a chemical reaction can be concentrated and used to start a nuclear reaction, which can transform elements.

Answer 2

Because in a chemical reaction, all those tiny units of an element take part at the same time and thus separation is not possible.

Answer 3

Some elements are broken apart through nuclear fission, Uranium and Plutonium to name a couple.

Bombard them with some neutrons and then you have the principle of nuclear energy.

If you mean, why can't we take the underlying proton, neutrons and electrons and divide them, well...

I guess I'd put it this way.... It's probably next to impossible to cut something in half, when the sharpest blade we have is still at least as wide as the thing you're trying to cut...

Answer 4

Because elements are in their simplest form consisting of only one "substance" and elements are pure so they cannot be separated into anything else