Energy is usually given out or absorbed in the preparation of
compound
The explanation for the correct answer - (C) Compound
Compound - It is a pure substance made by a chemical reaction of two or more elements in a fixed proportion, and energy is usually absorbed or released during the reaction.
The explanation for the incorrect answer -
(A) Mixture - when two or more substances are mixed physically in any random proportion in such a way that they retain their individual properties is called a mixture.
For example - sand, and air.
(B) Element - It is a pure substance made up of atoms of the same kind and cannot be separated by any chemical method.
For example - Gold, and hydrogen.
(D) None of these - since option (C) is correct, this option is not correct.
Hence, option (C) is correct. Energy is usually given out or absorbed in the preparation of the compound.