Give an illustration based on atomic theory for the difference between an element, compound and mixture.

Characteristic

Compound

Element

Define

A compound contains atoms of different together in a fixed ratio.

An element is a pure chemical substance made of the same type of atom

Distinguishing features

Compounds contain different elements in a fixed ratio arranged in a defined manner through chemical bonds.

Elements are distinguished by their atomic number (number of protons in their nucleus).

Ability to breakdown

A compounds can be separated into the simpler substance by chemical method reaction only.

A element cannot be broken down into the simpler substance by chemical reactions.

Types

The list of compounds is endless.

There are about 117 elements that have observed, can be classified as metal, non-metal or metalloid.

Representation

A compound is represented by using formula.

An element is represented by using symbols

Examples

Water (H₂O), sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) etc.

Iron (Fe), silver (Ag), gold (Au), nickel (Ni) etc.