The difference between an element and a compound lies in their composition and properties:
Element
- An element is a pure substance made up of only one type of atom.
- It cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
- Each element is represented by a unique chemical symbol (like O for oxygen, H for hydrogen, Fe for iron).
- Elements are the building blocks of matter; there are about 118 known elements.
- Example: Oxygen (O₂), Gold (Au), Carbon (C).
Compound
- A compound is a pure substance made up of two or more different elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio.
- Compounds have properties different from the elements that make them up.
- They can be represented by chemical formulas (like H₂O for water, CO₂ for carbon dioxide).
- Compounds can be broken down into simpler substances (elements) by chemical reactions.
- Example: Water (H₂O), Salt (NaCl), Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
Key Difference:
- Element = single type of atom (simplest form of matter).
- Compound = combination of different elements bonded together in a fixed proportion.