Element vs Chemical Compounds
Elements are the purest form of matter. They are composed of only kind of atoms unlike compound which has more than one kind of atom. The detail comparison between element and chemical compound is tabulated below:
|
Differentiating Property |
Element |
Compound |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
In Element we have a pure substance composed of only one atom. |
In Compound we have a molecule consists of 2 or more elements combined chemically. |
|
Examples |
Na (Sodium) |
NaCl (Sodium chloride) |
|
Physical State |
Can exist as solids, liquids, or gases, depending on the element. |
Can exist as solids, liquids, or gases, depending on the compound. |
|
Total Numbers |
There are nearly 118 elements (at present) of which nearly 94 occur naturally on Earth remaining are man made elements. |
Each element can form 100’s of compounds (almost endless). |
|
Types |
Elements are classified as either metals, nonmetals or metalloids based on their properties. |
Compounds are classified into organic compounds, inorganic compounds, acids, bases, salts, etc., based on their composition and properties. |
|
Properties |
In elements we have unique physical and chemical properties. |
In compound properties depend on the elements present and their arrangement in the compound. |
|
Atomic Structure |
Consist of a single type of atom. |
Consist of two or more types of atoms bonded together in particular arrangements. |
|
Composition and Property |
In element one type of atoms makes up an element, all the properties of that atom are represented by its atom |
In the compound the same type of molecules makes up the compound. |
|
Ability to Breakdown |
Elements cannot be broken down by chemical reactions. |
Compounds can be easily separated into simpler substances by chemical reactions. |
|
Chemical Reactions |
Participate in chemical reactions to form compounds or undergo transformations. |
Participate in chemical reactions as reactants, producing new compounds as products. |
Chemical Compound
Chemical Compounds in chemistry are pure form of matter which are formed by combination of two or more elements in a fixed ratio. They are different from the mixture in which the constituent particles are combined in any ratio. For example, sugar solution is a mixture but water is a chemical compound. This is because in sugar solution water and sugar can combine in any ratio to form solution but to form water i.e. H2O, hydrogen and oxygen have to always combine in fix ratio i.e. 2:1.
In this article, we will learn in detail about what is chemical compounds, their example, types, bonding, some of commonly used chemical compound and how are they different from molecules and elements.
Table of Content
- What are Chemical Compounds?
- Types of Chemical Compound
- Bonding in Chemical Compounds
- Chemical Compound List
- Element vs Chemical Compounds
- Difference between Molecules and Compounds
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