Chemistry – Atoms, elements and compounds - Elements, compounds and mixtures | e-Consult

Element: An element is a pure substance that consists of only one type of atom. It cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples include hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and gold (Au). Elements are defined by their atomic number, which indicates the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. They are separated using physical methods such as distillation or electrolysis, depending on their physical state and properties.

Compound: A compound is a pure substance formed when two or more different elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. The constituent elements are chemically combined, meaning they form new substances with different properties than the original elements. Water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are examples of compounds. Compounds can only be separated into their constituent elements by chemical reactions. Common separation techniques include electrolysis, decomposition, and chemical reactions.

Mixture: A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded. The components of a mixture retain their individual properties. Mixtures can be separated by physical methods such as filtration, evaporation, decantation, magnetism, and chromatography. The composition of a mixture can vary.

Here's a table summarizing the differences: