How are elements different from compounds
Elements are pure substances that cannot be chemically broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means. They are made up of only one type of atom. Examples of elements include hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and gold (Au).
On the other hand, compounds are substances that are composed of two or more different elements that are chemically combined in a fixed ratio. Compounds have different properties than the elements that make them up. They can be broken down into their constituent elements through chemical reactions. Examples of compounds include water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
In summary, elements are the building blocks of matter and cannot be broken down further, while compounds are formed by the combination of different elements and can be broken down into their constituent elements.