Question

Explain:
The basic unit of an element is atom, whereas the basic unit of a compound is molecule.

Answer 1

Elements consist of individual atoms. Each element always consists of the same type of atom which imparts its own unique properties to that element. So, the basic unit of an element is the atom. For example, the element hydrogen consists of hydrogen atoms only.

Compounds consist of the smallest unit which contains at least two different types of atoms join together by chemical bonds; so, the basic unit for the compound is the molecule. For example, water is a compound and is made of molecules ($H_{2}O$).