Chapter 2, Problem 93A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The similarities and differences between elements and compounds need to be explained.

Concept Introduction: An element is a substance that cannot be decomposed further into simpler substances by any chemical process. On the other hand, compounds are composed of two or more elements. They can be decomposed into their elemental components.

Explanation of Solution

Similarities between elements and compounds are as follows:

• Both elements and compounds are pure substances. They cannot be broken down without losing physical and chemical properties. Elements are made up of one type of atom thus, they are pure. Similarly, compounds are also pure because they are composed of only one type of molecule. They can break down into individual atoms and elements that form that compound.
• They are homogenous in nature because both elements and compounds have uniform composition
• They both have bonds that link atoms of elements together. Here, elements are composed of atoms, and compounds are composed of elements.

Differences between elements and compounds are as follows:

• The total number of elements known till date are 118 but the number of compounds are countless.
• Elements can be further categorized as metal, non-metals, and metalloids depending on their position in the periodic table. On the other hand, compounds are classified as ionic and covalent depending on the bonds between elements forming compounds.
• Elements cannot be broken down by any chemical reaction, but compounds can be broken down into elements.
• Some examples of elements are calcium, sodium, lithium, etc., and those compounds are sodium chloride, water, carbon dioxide, etc.