Matter that cannot be broken down into anything simpler by chemical reaction

element

Explanation:

Element is a pure substance which is composed of atoms of similar elements.It can not be decomposed into simpler constituents using chemical reactions.Example: Copper

Compound is a pure substance which is made from atoms of different elements combined together in a fixed ratio by mass.It can be decomposed into simpler constituents using chemical reactions. Example: water

Thus as it given that it cannot be broken down into anything simpler by chemical reaction , it is an element.

the enthalpy of formation of water is given as -285.8kj/mol, which states that the enthalpy of formation is negative.

negative enthalpy of formation indicates that the heat is released during the reaction process. the heat is released from reaction to the surroundings the enthalpy is expressed with a negative sign with the energy given out in the reaction process.

the formation of water takes place by giving out heat which is -285.8 kj/mol.