Difference Between Element and Compound - Definition, Example, FAQs

Difference Between Element and Compound - Definition, Example, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:56 PM IST

In this article we will understand the difference between element and compound and learn how to differentiate between elements and compounds. We need to first understand the definition of element and compound, before we start to differentiate between element and compound.

Element

An element can be said to be a substance that consists of only one type of atom. An example is that of the carbon atom. Another example can be hydrogen atoms which have a single proton as well as a single electron in their outermost orbitals. Whenever there is a change in the number of protons of an atom, the type of element changes like in nuclear reactions. An element is a substance in which the atoms have the same atomic number or same number of protons. Consequently, this means that the atoms of an element have the same number of electrons. We cannot break down elements which in turn makes elements the simplest substance.

This Story also Contains
  1. Element
  2. Compound
  3. Difference between element and compound with example

An element is a substance in which the atoms have the same atomic number or same number of protons. Consequently, this means that the atoms of an element have the same number of electrons.

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It is obvious that all the atoms of an element must have the same number of protons, although their number of neutrons can differ from element to element or even atom to atom. Which means masses of atoms of a certain element can differ as mass of an atom is the sum of the number of protons and number of neutrons. Such elements with the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons (mass number) are called isotopes.

For example isotopes of hydrogen are protium ( with atomic number one and mass number one), deuterium (with atomic number one and mass number two),Tritium (with atomic number one and mass number 3), isotopes of carbon, isotopes of phosphorus, isotopes of nitrogen etc. A component refers to a small portion of a larger entity that may or may not contribute to the larger entity’s properties. An element is made up of certain atoms with certain atomic numbers. This is the key difference between elements and components.

periodic table showing all 118 elements arranged by their atomic numbers

There are 118 elements in total. Some examples of elements are:

  • The W element is tungsten.

  • The C element is carbon.

  • B element is boron.

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Compound

A compound can be defined as a substance that forms due when two or more elements combine. These elements are different from one another. These elements come closer to interact through different forces and combine by formation of different bonds such as covalent bonds and electrostatic bonds. Electrostatic bonds are formed between atoms when electrons are shared between atoms and electrostatic force develops between ions. A mixture is formed due to physical mixing of different kinds of substances to form a certain type of substance.

Mixtures can broadly be classified as homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. Homogeneous mixtures have uniform concentration of solute throughout the mixture. Heterogeneous mixtures on other hand have non-uniform concentration of solute throughout the mixture. A compound formation occurs due to combination of different types of substances through a chemical reaction. An example of compound is carbon dioxide and water which are formed in the process of combustion. This is a key difference between elements and compounds and mixture.


A compound can be defined as a substance that forms due when two or more elements combine. These elements are different from one another. These elements come closer to interact through different forces and combine by formation of different bonds such as covalent bond and electrostatic bonds. A compound can be defined as a substance that forms due when two or more elements combine. These elements are different from one another. These elements come closer to interact through different forces and combine by formation of different bonds such as covalent bond and electrostatic bonds.

A compound may or may not behave like any of the elements from which it is formed. For example, elements carbon (C) and oxygen (O) tend to be gases at room temperature, when the atmospheric pressure is normal and their product carbon dioxide is gas too at normal pressure. But if we look at the case of hydrogen element (H) and oxygen (O) element, their product water is liquid at normal pressure and room temperature. This indicates that a compound may or may not possess the same property as its components.

There are certain ‘special’ atoms of a few elements that do not bond with any other elements easily at normal conditions. This means they do not form compounds at all and thus are called noble. These unreactive elements are called inert or noble gases like neon, argon, helium, xenon, krypton, and radon which reside in the 18th group of the periodic table. After discussing elements and compounds we can discuss element and compound differences in detail.

Difference between element and compound with example

To distinguish between element and compound, it is best to decide to organize some differentiating criteria on which we could differentiate an element or compound.

S.No.

Criteria

Element

Compound

1.

Definition

An element can be said to be a substance that consists of only one type of atom.

A compound can be defined as a substance that forms due when two or more elements combine.

2.

Overall total

There are a total of 118 elements.

The number of compounds existing is immeasurable.

3.

Typing criteria

Elements are generally classified as nonmetals, metalloids and metals on the basis of various physical and chemical properties.

Compounds can be classified as ionic, metallic, covalent etc. based on the type of interaction between atoms.

4.

Representation

These are represented by symbols and atomic numbers. A symbol may or may not correspond to the universal name of an element. For example, the symbol for sodium is Na.

Compounds exist due to the fact that atoms come together. Thus, compounds are represented by writing symbols of constituents’ atoms of different elements together in a combined chemical formula. Example: Na2CO3, NaOH, CO2 etc.

5.

Distinguishing factor

Elements are distinguished by their atomic number. Example: atomic number of hydrogen is 1 while atomic number of boron is 5.

Compounds can be distinguished by their respective ratio of atoms of a certain element. Example CO2 (ratio of C:O = 1:2) is different from CO (ratio of C:O = 1:1).

6.

Property and composition

These consist of only one type of atom which has its characteristic atomic number.

These consist of different types of atoms of different elements which combine in different ratios.

7.

Breakdown capability

Elements cannot be broken down in simpler substances

Compounds can be broken down into molecules of one or many elements.

8.

Examples

Examples include w element, b element, c element, o element etc.

Examples include nitrogen dioxide, water, carbon dioxide, calcium hydroxide etc.

The above table can be of immense importance for understanding element vs compound battle.

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NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Write difference between element compound and mixture in tabular form.

The difference between element compound and mixture in tabular form is given as:

Criteria 

Element

Compound

Mixture

Definition

An element can be said to be a substance that consists of only one type of atom.

A compound can be defined as a substance that forms due when two or more elements combine.

A mixture is formed due to physical mixing of different kinds of substances to form a certain type of substance.

Properties

Definitive set of properties.

Definitive set of properties.

No definitive set of property.

Separation methods

Separated by physical and chemical methods.

Separated by only chemical methods.

Separated by only physical methods.

Existence 

Simplest substances exist on their own.

Exist as a combination of atoms of different elements in definite ratios.

Exist as a combination of different elements or compounds in any proportion.

Examples 

Examples include w element, b element, c element, o element etc.

Examples include nitrogen dioxide, water, carbon dioxide, calcium hydroxide etc.

Examples include mixture of water and salt, potassium chloride solution etc.

2. What is the difference between element and compound?

The difference between an element and a compound are given as: 

Element

Compound

An element can be said to be a substance that consists of only one type of atom.

A compound can be defined as a substance that forms due when two or more elements combine.

3. How is a compound different from an element?


Element

Compound

An element can be said to be a substance that consists of only one type of atom.

A compound can be defined as a substance that forms due when two or more elements combine.

Definitive set of properties.

Definitive set of properties.

Separated by physical and chemical methods.

Separated by only chemical methods.

Simplest substances exist on their own.

Exist as a combination of atoms of different elements in definite ratios.

Examples include w element, b element, c element, o element etc.

Examples include nitrogen dioxide, water, carbon dioxide, calcium hydroxide etc.

4. Write the difference between element and mixture.

The difference between element and mixture can be given as:

Element

Mixture

An element can be said to be a substance that consists of only one type of atom.

A mixture is formed due to physical mixing of different kinds of substances to form a certain type of substance.

5. What is the significance of a chemical formula in representing a compound?
A chemical formula represents the types and numbers of atoms present in one unit of a compound. It provides information about the composition and the ratio of elements in the compound, which is crucial for understanding its properties and behavior.
6. What role do valence electrons play in the formation of compounds?
Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are responsible for chemical bonding. They determine how elements interact to form compounds by being shared, transferred, or pooled between atoms to create chemical bonds.
7. How does the concept of electronegativity relate to compound formation?
Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. Differences in electronegativity between elements determine the type of bond formed in a compound (ionic, covalent, or polar covalent) and influence its properties.
8. Can a compound be formed from just one element?
No, a compound by definition must be formed from two or more different elements. Substances made from only one element, even if they have different structures, are considered allotropes of that element, not compounds.
9. Can compounds conduct electricity? How does this compare to elements?
Some compounds can conduct electricity when dissolved in water (electrolytes) or when molten. Elements can be conductors (like metals), semiconductors, or insulators. The ability to conduct electricity depends on the electronic structure and bonding in both elements and compounds.
10. What is the fundamental difference between an element and a compound?
An element is a pure substance made up of only one type of atom, while a compound is a substance made up of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.
11. How can compounds be separated into their constituent elements?
Compounds can be separated into their constituent elements through various chemical processes such as electrolysis, thermal decomposition, or chemical reactions. These processes break the chemical bonds between the elements in the compound.
12. Can a compound have properties similar to its constituent elements?
While a compound may share some properties with its constituent elements, it often has unique properties that are different from those of the elements it contains. This is due to the chemical bonding and interactions between the elements in the compound.
13. What is the difference between a mixture and a compound?
A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded and can be separated by physical means. A compound, on the other hand, consists of elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio and can only be separated by chemical means.
14. How does the law of constant composition apply to compounds but not to elements?
The law of constant composition states that a compound always contains the same elements in the same fixed ratio by mass, regardless of its source or method of preparation. This law applies to compounds because they have a specific chemical formula, while elements are made of only one type of atom and do not have a composition that can vary.
15. Can elements be broken down into simpler substances?
No, elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances through chemical means. They are the most basic form of matter and consist of only one type of atom.
16. Why are some elements represented by single letters and others by two letters in the periodic table?
Elements are represented by symbols in the periodic table. Single-letter symbols are used for some elements (usually the first discovered), while two-letter symbols are used for others to avoid confusion. The first letter is always capitalized, and the second letter (if present) is always lowercase.
17. Can an element exist in different forms? If so, what are these forms called?
Yes, an element can exist in different forms called allotropes. Allotropes are different structural forms of the same element, such as diamond and graphite for carbon, or oxygen (O2) and ozone (O3) for oxygen.
18. How do the physical properties of elements and compounds differ?
Elements typically have consistent physical properties like melting point and boiling point. Compounds, however, often have physical properties that are distinct from their constituent elements due to the chemical bonds formed between them.
19. How does the arrangement of atoms in a compound differ from that in an element?
In an element, all atoms are of the same type and are typically arranged in a repeating pattern. In a compound, different types of atoms are chemically bonded together in a specific ratio and arrangement, forming molecules or crystal structures.
20. How do isotopes of an element differ from compounds containing that element?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, while compounds are substances formed by the chemical combination of different elements. Isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons but differ in mass, whereas compounds have a fixed ratio of different elements.
21. How does the concept of molecular mass apply differently to elements and compounds?
For elements, molecular mass refers to the mass of a single atom or molecule of the element. For compounds, it is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in one molecule of the compound, taking into account the number of each type of atom present.
22. What is the relationship between the periodic table and the formation of compounds?
The periodic table organizes elements based on their electronic structure, which determines their chemical properties and ability to form compounds. Elements in the same group often form similar types of compounds, while the period indicates the number of electron shells, influencing bonding capacity.
23. How do intermolecular forces differ between elements and compounds?
Intermolecular forces in elements are typically between atoms or molecules of the same type. In compounds, these forces can be more complex, occurring between different types of atoms or molecules, leading to a wider range of physical properties.
24. Can a compound have a lower density than its constituent elements?
Yes, a compound can have a lower density than its constituent elements. This is because the arrangement and bonding of atoms in a compound can create a structure that is less dense than the original elements, despite potentially having a higher molecular mass.
25. How does the concept of polarity apply to compounds but not to elements?
Polarity refers to the uneven distribution of electrical charge in a molecule. It applies to compounds because they can have different elements with varying electronegativities, creating dipoles. Elements, being composed of identical atoms, do not exhibit molecular polarity (though they may have temporary dipoles).
26. What is the significance of the octet rule in compound formation?
The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration with eight valence electrons (like noble gases). This rule helps predict how elements combine to form compounds, especially in ionic and covalent bonding.
27. How do alloys differ from compounds?
Alloys are mixtures of two or more elements, typically metals, that retain their metallic properties. Compounds, in contrast, are chemically bonded substances with fixed ratios of elements and often have properties distinct from their constituent elements.
28. Can compounds undergo phase changes like elements?
Yes, compounds can undergo phase changes (solid to liquid to gas) like elements. However, the temperatures at which these changes occur are often different from those of the constituent elements and depend on the compound's unique properties.
29. How does the concept of oxidation state apply differently to elements and compounds?
In elements, the oxidation state is typically zero (except in elemental ions). In compounds, atoms can have various oxidation states depending on their bonding and the transfer of electrons, which is crucial for understanding redox reactions and chemical behavior.
30. What is the relationship between an element's position in the periodic table and its ability to form compounds?
An element's position in the periodic table indicates its electron configuration, which determines its bonding capacity and the types of compounds it can form. For example, elements on the left tend to form cations, while those on the right tend to form anions in ionic compounds.
31. How do the melting and boiling points of compounds compare to those of their constituent elements?
The melting and boiling points of compounds are often different from those of their constituent elements due to the nature and strength of the chemical bonds formed. These points can be higher or lower depending on the type of compound and the intermolecular forces present.
32. Can a compound be magnetic if its constituent elements are not magnetic?
Yes, a compound can exhibit magnetic properties even if its constituent elements are not magnetic. This is because the arrangement and interaction of electrons in the compound can create unpaired electrons or align spins in a way that produces magnetic behavior.
33. How does the concept of stoichiometry apply differently to elements and compounds?
Stoichiometry in elements typically involves ratios of atoms in molecules (like O2 or P4). In compounds, it refers to the ratios of different elements within the compound and is crucial for balancing chemical equations and calculating quantities in reactions.
34. What is the significance of Lewis structures in understanding compounds?
Lewis structures are diagrams that show the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons. They are crucial for understanding the arrangement of valence electrons in compounds, helping predict molecular geometry and chemical behavior.
35. How do isotopes affect the properties of elements versus compounds?
Isotopes of an element have nearly identical chemical properties but can have different physical properties due to mass differences. In compounds, isotopes can affect properties like reaction rates and bond strengths, but the overall chemical behavior of the compound remains largely the same.
36. Can a compound have a higher reactivity than its constituent elements?
Yes, a compound can be more reactive than its constituent elements. This is because the chemical bonds in compounds can store energy that is released during reactions, or the arrangement of atoms in the compound may make it more susceptible to certain types of reactions.
37. How does the concept of resonance apply to compounds but not to elements?
Resonance occurs in compounds when multiple valid Lewis structures can be drawn for a single molecule. It represents the delocalization of electrons in a molecule, affecting its stability and reactivity. This concept doesn't apply to individual elements as they don't form intramolecular bonds.
38. What is the difference between empirical and molecular formulas, and how do they relate to elements and compounds?
Empirical formulas show the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound, while molecular formulas show the actual number of atoms in a molecule. For elements, these are often the same, but for compounds, they can differ. For example, the empirical formula of glucose is CH2O, while its molecular formula is C6H12O6.
39. How does the concept of hybridization apply to compound formation?
Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which is crucial in explaining the geometry and bonding in many compounds. It helps understand how elements like carbon can form different types of bonds in various compounds, affecting their structure and properties.
40. Can a compound have a higher or lower reactivity than its most reactive constituent element?
Yes, a compound can have higher or lower reactivity than its most reactive constituent element. The chemical bonds in compounds can either stabilize the elements, reducing reactivity, or create a more reactive species due to the specific arrangement and interaction of atoms.
41. How does the concept of electronegativity difference relate to the type of bonding in compounds?
The difference in electronegativity between elements in a compound determines the type of bonding. A large difference typically results in ionic bonding, while a small difference leads to covalent bonding. Intermediate differences create polar covalent bonds, affecting the compound's properties.
42. What is the significance of VSEPR theory in understanding the structure of compounds?
VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory predicts the three-dimensional shape of molecules based on the arrangement of electron pairs around the central atom. This theory is crucial for understanding the geometry of compounds, which influences their properties and reactivity.
43. How do intermolecular forces in compounds differ from those in elemental substances?
Intermolecular forces in compounds can be more diverse and complex than in elemental substances. Compounds can exhibit various types of intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, ion-dipole) depending on their composition and structure, while elemental substances typically have simpler interactions.
44. Can a compound have a higher electrical conductivity than its constituent elements?
While rare, it is possible for a compound to have higher electrical conductivity than its constituent elements. This can occur in certain ionic compounds when dissolved or molten, or in some complex materials where the arrangement of atoms creates favorable conditions for electron movement.
45. How does the concept of bond energy relate to the stability of compounds compared to elements?
Bond energy is the energy required to break a chemical bond. In compounds, the overall stability is determined by the sum of bond energies and the energy released during compound formation. This can make compounds more or less stable than their constituent elements, affecting their reactivity and properties.
46. What is the relationship between an element's electron configuration and its ability to form compounds?
An element's electron configuration, particularly its valence electrons, determines its ability to form compounds. Elements with incomplete outer shells are more likely to form compounds to achieve a stable electron configuration, while noble gases with full outer shells are less reactive.
47. How does the concept of molecular orbital theory apply differently to elements and compounds?
Molecular orbital theory describes the behavior of electrons in molecules. For elements, it typically applies to diatomic molecules (like O2 or N2). For compounds, it becomes more complex, involving the combination of atomic orbitals from different elements to form molecular orbitals, explaining bonding and electronic properties.
48. Can a compound have a higher melting point than all of its constituent elements?
Yes, a compound can have a higher melting point than all of its constituent elements. This often occurs in ionic compounds where strong electrostatic forces between ions result in a high lattice energy, leading to higher melting points than the individual elements.
49. How does the concept of acid-base behavior apply to compounds versus elements?
Acid-base behavior is primarily a property of compounds, not elements. Compounds can act as acids (proton donors) or bases (proton acceptors) in chemical reactions. Elements in their pure form do not exhibit acid-base behavior, though they may form acidic or basic compounds when combined with other elements.
50. What is the significance of crystal field theory in understanding the properties of certain compounds?
Crystal field theory explains the electronic structure and properties of transition metal complexes. It's crucial for understanding the color, magnetism, and reactivity of these compounds. This theory doesn't apply to pure elements but is essential for explaining the behavior of many inorganic compounds.
51. How does the concept of isomerism apply to compounds but not to elements?
Isomerism refers to compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. This concept applies only to compounds, as elements are composed of identical atoms. Isomers can have different physical and chemical properties despite having the same elemental composition.
52. Can a compound have a lower boiling point than all of its constituent elements?
Yes, a compound can have a lower boiling point than all of its constituent elements. This can occur when the intermolecular forces in the compound are weaker than those in the pure elements, resulting in less energy required to overcome these forces and change the compound from liquid to gas.
53. How does the concept of electrochemical potential differ between elements and compounds?
Electrochemical potential for elements typically refers to their tendency to gain or lose electrons in their elemental state. For compounds, it involves the potential difference generated in electrochemical cells and depends on the specific reactions and concentrations of the species involved.
54. What is the relationship between the periodic trends of elements and the properties of compounds they form?
Periodic trends such as atomic size, ionization energy, and electronegativity influence how elements form compounds. These trends affect bond types, strengths, and the resulting properties of compounds. For example, electronegativity differences determine bond polarity, while atomic size influences the strength of intermolecular forces in compounds.

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