COMPOUND
Definition: A compound contains atoms of different elements chemically combined together in a fixed ratio.
Composition: Compounds contain different elements in a fixed ratio arranged in a defined manner through chemical bonds. They contain only one type of molecule. Elements that compose the compound are chemically combined.
Ability to break down: A compound can be separated into simpler substances by chemical methods/reactions.
Types: A huge, virtually limitless, number of chemical compounds can be created. Compounds are classified into molecular compounds, ionic compounds, intermetallic compounds and complexes.
Representation: A compound is represented using its chemical formula that represents the symbols of its constituent elements and the number of atoms of each element in one molecule of the compound.
Examples: Water (H2O), Sodium chloride (NaCl), Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) etc.
ELEMENT
Definition: An element is a pure chemical substance made of same type of atom.
Composition: Elements contain only one type of atom. Each atom has the same atomic number i.e., the same number of protons in their nucleus.
Ability to break down: Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical reactions.
Types: There are about 117 elements that have been observed. Can be classified as metal, non-metal or metalloid.
Representation: An element is represented using symbols.
Examples: Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Sodium (Na), Chlorine (Cl), Carbon (C), Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au) etc.
