What are Elements and Compounds?
In order to understand what elements and compounds are, one must first understand what atoms are. Atoms are the basic units of matter and the defining structure of elements. The term “atom” comes from the Greek word for indivisible because it was once thought that atoms were the smallest things in the universe and could not be divided. The structure of an atom is a central nucleus composed of protons and neutrons with electrons orbiting around this nucleus.
Elements and compounds are both substances made of atoms, but elements are made of only one kind of atom while compounds are made of two or more different atoms.
Elements: Made of One Kind of Atom
An element is a substance that cannot be divided into smaller parts by chemical means. The basic components of matter are atoms, the smallest units of an element that retain the chemical properties of that element. Elements are classified as either metals or nonmetals based on their properties. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity, have a luster, and are malleable and ductile. Nonmetals do not conduct heat or electricity well, do not have a luster, and are not malleable or ductile. There are approximately 118 elements in the periodic table, which is a chart that arranges the elements according to their atomic numbers.
Compounds: Made of Two or More Different Atoms
A compound is a substance that is made up of two or more atoms of different elements. The atoms are held together by chemical bonds. Compounds can be either organic or inorganic.
Inorganic compounds are those that do not contain carbon. Examples of inorganic compounds include water, salt, and nitrogen dioxide. Organic compounds are those that do contain carbon. Examples of organic compounds include methane, ethanol, and DNA.
Examples of Elements: Oxygen, Carbon, Gold
Oxygen is a molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms connected by a covalent bond. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas at room temperature and pressure. Oxygen is present in the air at a concentration of 21% by volume.
Oxygen is necessary for the respiration of all animals and most plants. In humans, it is essential for cell respiration and the metabolism of many nutrients. Oxygen is also used in some industrial processes, such as iron and steel production.
Carbon is a chemical element that is present in all living things. It is the basic building block of organic molecules and is essential for life. Carbon can be found in the atmosphere, in the Earth’s crust, and in the human body. Carbon is a versatile element and has a variety of uses. It can be used to make fuel, plastics, and other materials. Carbon can also be used to absorb pollution from the air and water.
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from Latin: aurum) and atomic number 79, making it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. In a pure form, it is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal. A relatively rare element, gold is a precious metal that has been used for coinage, jewelry, and other arts throughout recorded history. In the past, a gold standard was often implemented as a monetary policy, but gold coins ceased to be minted as a circulating currency in the 1930s due to the effects of the Great Depression and World War II.
Examples of Compounds: Water, Table Salt, Methane
Water is the clear, colorless liquid that is essential for all life. Its chemical formula is H2O, meaning that each molecule of water consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. Water is a polar molecule, meaning that it has a slight negative charge on one end and a slight positive charge on the other. This gives water some unique properties, such as surface tension and the ability to dissolve many different substances. Water has many uses in our everyday lives. We drink it, bathe in it, clean with it, and use it to grow our food. In fact, without water, there would be no life on Earth!
Table salt is a mineral that is composed of sodium and chloride. It is found in many different types of rocks, including granite and sandstone. Table salt is used for many purposes, including seasoning food, making ice cream, and preserving meat. It is also used in some industrial processes, such as the production of chlorine and caustic soda.
Methane is a gas that is found in many different places. It is odorless and colorless, and it is the main component of natural gas. Methane is used to produce electricity, to heat homes and businesses, and to power vehicles. It is also used in the production of plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals.
