Question

What is the difference between elements and compounds?

Answer 1

an element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down by any chemical means. for example: oxygen, hydrogen, etc

whereas

compound is a chemical species formed when two or more atoms join together chemically. for example: sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, etc

Answer 2

If you change the number of neutrons an atom has, you make an isotope of that element. All known elements are arranged on a chart called the Periodic Table of Elements. A compound is a substance made from two or more different elements that have been chemically joined.