Another chemistry homework problem. 5 points?

Question

If a piece of hard white blackboard chalk is heated strongly in a flame, the mass of the piece of chalk will decrease, and eventually the chalk will crumble into a fine white dust. Does this suggest that the chalk is composed of an element or a compound?

Thanks for your input

Answer 1

It must be made of a compound.  You cannot break down an element into simpler parts merely by heating.

Answer 2

An Element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

Chalk is therefore a Compound.

Generally made of Calcium Sulfate (Gypsum).