What is the Difference Between Element and Compound?

The main difference between an element and a compound lies in their composition and properties. Here are the key differences:

• Definition: Elements are pure substances composed of only one type of atom, while compounds are substances formed by two or more different types of elements that are united chemically in fixed proportions.
• Total Numbers: There are nearly 118 elements, of which nearly 94 occur naturally on Earth. In contrast, compounds are almost endless in number.
• Types: Elements are classified as either metals, nonmetals, or metalloids. Examples of elements include hydrogen, oxygen, iron, and copper. Compounds, on the other hand, are substances with a definite chemical composition and specific formula. Examples of compounds include water (H2O) and salt (sodium chloride - NaCl).
• Chemical Properties: Elements have specific chemical properties. A compound, however, has chemical properties different from the properties of the elements it contains.
• Molecular Structure: A molecule is a substance formed when two or more atoms are chemically joined (bonded) together. Elements can be represented using atomic symbols, while compounds are represented using molecular formulas.

In summary, elements are pure substances made up of only one type of atom, while compounds are formed when two or more different elements are chemically combined. The properties of compounds are different from the individual properties of the elements they contain.

Comparative Table: Element vs Compound

Here is a table summarizing the differences between elements and compounds:

Please note that some properties, such as atomic number, melting point, boiling point, density, and ionization energy, are unique to elements and are not applicable to compounds.