Chapter 2, Problem 2.1P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The key difference between an element and a compound is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

An element can be defined as the simplest type of matter which is composed of only one kind of atom and cannot be broken down further. The properties of all the atoms of an element are identical.

A compound is defined as a substance formed by the combination of two or more different elements in a fixed proportion via chemical reaction. The property of a compound is different from the properties of the constituent elements.

Answer to Problem 2.1P

The key difference between an element and a compound are as follows:

1. An element is made up of only one kind of atoms whereas compounds are made up of more than one kind of elements.

2. Elements cannot be broken down further whereas compounds can be broken down into two or more simpler substance.

Explanation of Solution

Elements are the simplest form of matter composed of only one type of atom. Hence elements can be represented by symbols. Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances by any chemical or physical means. Examples are – carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, chlorine.

Compounds are formed by the combination of two or more different elements in a fixed ratio. Compounds are represented by using chemical formulas which contain the alphabetical symbols representing the elements they are composed of and numbers which represent the total number of atoms of each element that they are made of.

The key difference between an element and a compound is that while a compound can be broken down into simpler forms, an element is the simplest form of matter and thus cannot be broken down any further.

Conclusion

The key difference between an element and a compound is that a compound can be broken down into simpler forms, while an element is the simplest form of matter and thus cannot be broken down any further. Examples of elements are sulfur $\left(\text{S}\right)$, copper $\left(\text{Cu}\right)$, gold $\left(\text{Au}\right)$. Examples of compounds are water $\left({\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\right)$, sulphuric acid $\left({\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}\right)$, sodium chloride $\left(\text{NaCl}\right)$.