What is the difference between part and component?

[Zarinamo]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #181 "Facts about pizza in the US: pizza industry expressions", question 8

Pepperoni is the pizza ......... that Americans like the most.

(a) component
(b) topping
(c) part
(d) element

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #181 "Facts about pizza in the US: pizza industry expressions", answer 8

Pepperoni is the pizza topping that Americans like the most.

Correct answer: (b) topping

Your answer was: incorrect
Pepperoni is the pizza component that Americans like the most.
_________________________

Hi,
I didn`t understand the meaning of this word...
Will you please explain me?

Zarinamo

[MrPedantic]

Hello Zarinamo,

A "part" is any amount of a thing that is less than the whole thing.

A "component" is a distinct part of a more complex entity. Thus a pc consists of "components".

An "element" is much the same as "component"; though it has a sense of "something irreducible".

A "topping" is an additional layer on top of a foodstuff. There are innumerable possible toppings for pizza: bacon, chicken, beef, chorizo, mushrooms, garlic, feta cheese, etc.

All 4 answers are possible, in this question: but "toppings" is the usual term for "things that are on top of pizza".

Best wishes,

MrP

[Zarinamo]

Thank you very much MrPedantic. Now it is clear.