Question

Differentiate between the following.

Elements and compounds

Answer 1

Difference Between Element and Compound

Sl. No.	Differentiating Property	Element	Compound
1	Definition	Elements are pure substances which are composed of only one type of atom.	Compound are substances which are formed by two or more different types of elements that are united chemically in fixed proportions.
2	Total Numbers	There are nearly 118 elements (at present) of which nearly 94 occur naturally on Earth.	Compounds are almost endless.
3	Types	Elements are classified as either metals, nonmetals or metalloids.	Compounds are classified according to their bonds which can be ionic, molecular or metallic.
4	Examples	Some of the examples of elements are Iron, Copper, Gold, etc.	A few examples of compounds are NaOH, NaCl, etc.
5	Representation	Elements are represented by symbols and numbers. For example, Sodium is represented by Na.	Compounds are represented by their chemical formula. For example, salt is represented by the formula NaCl.
6	Distinguished By	Elements can be distinguished by their atomic number.	Distinguished by their fixed ratio of different elements (arranged in a defined manner).
7	Composition and Property	As only one type of atoms makes up an element, all the properties of that atom are represented by its atom.	In the case of compounds, the same type of molecules makes up the compound.
8	Ability to Breakdown	Elements cannot be broken down by chemical reactions.	Compounds can be easily separated into simpler substances by chemical reactions.