Question

What are the difference between element and compound ?

Answer 1

Element

• It are made from similar or only one type of atoms.
• As it is made with only one type of atom, they are called as pure substance.
• It cannot be broken or divided further.
• Elements are found in smaller number as compared to molecules. Only 118 elements are known till 2021.
• Elements are represented by symbols. For examples Hydrogen is denoted by ‘H’, Helium by ‘He’ and so on.
• It is classified into metal, non-metals and metalloids based on their conductivity, malleability and ductility.
• Examples of elements are hydrogen, sodium, potassium, copper, gold and all elements present in periodic table.

Compound

• Compounds are formed by the combination of different types of elements.
• It is made with two or more types of elements.
• It can be broken down into its constituent elements by means of different physical & chemicals methods.
• Compounds are present in huge number and are countless.
• Compounds are represented by their chemical formula. For examples water is chemically written as H₂O, Salt as NaCl and so on.
• It is classified into molecular, ionic, covalent compounds according to their nature of bonding present between elements of the compound.
• Some examples of compounds are NaCl, H₂O, glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) etc.