Why is the standard enthalpy of formation of an element 0?

Question

micahm · Answer

The enthalpy of formation is the energy change after a compound is being formed from individual elements present in it. 

For example; 
The enthalpy of formation of CO2 is a certain heat energy. If that change of heat is positive, the formation is endothermic, meaning heat is absorbed. If the change of heat is negative, the formation is exothermic, meaning heat is released. In this case, CO2 is being formed from the individual elements , which are C and O2 (note: O2 is diatomic at elemental form) 

Therefore, if we are given with an element. The standard enthalpy of formation of that element, being a pure substance that can't be broken down into two simpler elements, is , at all , zero.

micahm · Answer

please put this in your own words

micahm · Answer

hope you get a good grade

anonymous · Answer

thank you! and oh no of course I will I just needed a better understanding to answer it =) thank you again! =)

micahm · Answer

so did that help if not i can help by explaining more info to better understand the answer

anonymous · Answer

It helped a ton! =)

micahm · Answer

do you have any more question's

micahm · Answer

if not thank you for letting me help