Difference between an Element and a Compound

Elements and compounds are both fundamental concepts in chemistry, but they differ in their composition and properties.

Element

An element is a substance that is made up of only one type of atom. These atoms cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical reactions. Elements are represented on the periodic table by their unique chemical symbol. Some examples of elements include oxygen (O), carbon (C), and hydrogen (H).

Each element has its own distinct set of physical and chemical properties, such as melting point, boiling point, and reactivity.

Compound

A compound, on the other hand, is a substance that is composed of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. Compounds can be broken down into their constituent elements by chemical reactions.

Compounds have unique properties that are different from the properties of the individual elements that make them up. For example, table salt (NaCl) is a compound composed of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) atoms. While sodium is a highly reactive metal and chlorine is a toxic gas, when combined as a compound, they form a stable crystalline substance that we use in cooking.

In summary, elements consist of one type of atom, while compounds are made up of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.