1. What They Are:
Elements: An element is a basic type of substance. You can’t break it down into simpler parts using chemical methods. Each element is made up of tiny particles called atoms. All the atoms in an element have the same number of protons. There are 118 different elements, and they are organized in something called the periodic table.
Compounds: A compound is made when two or more elements join together in a specific way. These elements become a new substance that can only be separated back into the original elements through chemical changes. For example, water (H₂O) is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio.
Mixtures: A mixture is created when two or more substances (like elements or compounds) are put together but don’t form new bonds. The different parts in a mixture keep their own traits. Think of a salad, which has different vegetables, each with its own taste and crunch.
2. How They Are Made:
Elements: They can’t be broken down into anything simpler. Each one has a special number called an atomic number that tells how many protons it has. For example, hydrogen’s atomic number is 1, and oxygen’s is 8.
Compounds: They have a set makeup. The amount of each element in a compound doesn’t change. For instance, sodium chloride (table salt) is 39.3% sodium and 60.7% chlorine.
Mixtures: They can have different amounts of each part. For instance, air is made up of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases, but these percentages can change.
3. Their Traits:
Elements: Each element has unique characteristics. For example, gold (Au) is a heavy metal that can be shaped easily and has a density of about 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter.
Compounds: The traits of a compound are different from the traits of the elements that make it. For example, sodium (Na) is a metal that can react violently with water, and chlorine (Cl) is a poisonous gas. But when they combine to form sodium chloride, it’s safe to eat.
Mixtures: The different parts in a mixture keep their own traits. In a mixture of salt and sand, you can still see and feel the individual salt and sand grains.
4. Real-Life Examples:
Elements: Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Carbon (C)
Compounds: Water (H₂O), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Table Salt (NaCl)
Mixtures: Salad, Air, Sea Water
Knowing these differences is important for studying chemistry. They help you understand more complicated ideas later on.
1. What They Are:
Elements: An element is a basic type of substance. You can’t break it down into simpler parts using chemical methods. Each element is made up of tiny particles called atoms. All the atoms in an element have the same number of protons. There are 118 different elements, and they are organized in something called the periodic table.
Compounds: A compound is made when two or more elements join together in a specific way. These elements become a new substance that can only be separated back into the original elements through chemical changes. For example, water (H₂O) is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio.
Mixtures: A mixture is created when two or more substances (like elements or compounds) are put together but don’t form new bonds. The different parts in a mixture keep their own traits. Think of a salad, which has different vegetables, each with its own taste and crunch.
2. How They Are Made:
Elements: They can’t be broken down into anything simpler. Each one has a special number called an atomic number that tells how many protons it has. For example, hydrogen’s atomic number is 1, and oxygen’s is 8.
Compounds: They have a set makeup. The amount of each element in a compound doesn’t change. For instance, sodium chloride (table salt) is 39.3% sodium and 60.7% chlorine.
Mixtures: They can have different amounts of each part. For instance, air is made up of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases, but these percentages can change.
3. Their Traits:
Elements: Each element has unique characteristics. For example, gold (Au) is a heavy metal that can be shaped easily and has a density of about 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter.
Compounds: The traits of a compound are different from the traits of the elements that make it. For example, sodium (Na) is a metal that can react violently with water, and chlorine (Cl) is a poisonous gas. But when they combine to form sodium chloride, it’s safe to eat.
Mixtures: The different parts in a mixture keep their own traits. In a mixture of salt and sand, you can still see and feel the individual salt and sand grains.
4. Real-Life Examples:
Elements: Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Carbon (C)
Compounds: Water (H₂O), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Table Salt (NaCl)
Mixtures: Salad, Air, Sea Water
Knowing these differences is important for studying chemistry. They help you understand more complicated ideas later on.