What is the Difference Between Atoms and Elements?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between atoms and elements is that elements are pure substances made of atoms, while atoms are the smallest units of elements that still retain the element's properties. Here are some key differences between atoms and elements:
- Atoms:
- Atoms are the building blocks of elements.
- They contain subatomic particles such as electrons, neutrons, and protons.
- Each element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus.
- Elements:
- Elements are pure substances with specific properties.
- A particular element is composed of only one type of atom.
- All known elements on Earth can be found in the periodic table of elements.
In summary, atoms are the smallest units of matter that still retain the properties of an element, while elements are pure substances made of atoms. Each element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus and has unique properties and characteristics.
Comparative Table: Atoms vs Elements
Here is a table highlighting the differences between atoms and elements:
| Feature | Atoms | Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An atom is the smallest unit of matter, consisting of a nucleus of protons and neutrons, and electrons surrounding the nucleus. | An element is a pure substance made up of atoms with the same atomic number. |
| Composition | Atoms are composed of subatomic particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons. | Elements are made up of atoms with the same number of protons. |
| Examples | Hydrogen, helium, carbon, oxygen, etc.. | Water, air, gold, iron, etc.. |
| Atomic Number | Each atom has a unique atomic number, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. | Elements are grouped in the periodic table based on their atomic number. |
| Indestructibility | Atoms cannot be created or destroyed, as stated by the Mass Conservation Law. | Elements can be found in pure form in nature or created through experiments. |
In summary, atoms are the smallest units of matter and consist of a nucleus with protons and neutrons, while electrons surround the nucleus. Elements, on the other hand, are pure substances made up of atoms with the same atomic number. Elements can be found in nature or created through experiments, while atoms are indestructible and cannot be created or destroyed.
- Atomic vs Molecular Elements
- Isotopes vs Elements
- Atoms vs Particles
- Atom vs Molecule
- Element vs Molecule
- Molecule vs Atom
- Cell vs Atom
- Atom vs Ion
- Atom vs Ion
- Elements vs Compounds
- Atom vs Compound
- Mineral vs Element
- Element vs Compound
- Atomic Number vs Atomicity
- Ions vs Electrons
- Atomic Number vs Atomic Weight
- Molecule of Element vs Molecule of Compound
- Fundamental Particles vs Elementary Particles
- Atomic Number vs Mass Number