difference between atoms and molecules and elements and compounds
Answers
Here let's discuss the difference between atoms, elements, compounds, and mixtures. First, let's discuss the elements. Element is the basic substance that can't be simplified and it consists of only one kind of atom. The element cannot be broken down into a simpler type of matter by either physical or chemical means. Notice that element can exist as either atom-like Fe (iron atom) or molecules, for example, N2 (nitrogen molecule). Now go back to the atom. The atom is the smallest amount of an element. Just like what we mention, Fe (iron atom), K (potassium atom). Molecules two or more atoms that are chemically joined together. For example, N2 (nitrogen molecule), Cl2 (chlorine molecule). Now let's talk about compounds. A compound consists of atoms of two or more different elements bound together and can be broken down into a simpler type of matter by chemical means but not by physical means. The compound has properties that are different from its component elements, and always contains the same ratio of its component atoms. For example, the H2O water molecule is consisting of H (hydrogen) and O (oxygen) atoms in a 2:1 ratio, and H2O has properties that are different from its component elements H and O like water is liquid at room temperature while hydrogen and oxygen are gas under room temperature. Last but not least let's talk about the mixture. The mixture consists of two or more different elements and/or compounds PHYSICALLY intermingled, can be separated into its components by PHYSICAL means, and often has the properties of its components. Notice that I capitalize PHYSICAL and PHYSICALLY because the mixture is not about chemical reactions, it's just physical! For example, you mix apple juice with orange juice, then that is a mixture. and it has the properties of its components, it will taste like apple juice and orange juice at the same time. It's not easy to operate them but possible, so this is not a perfect example here. Another better example is sand and magnetized powders. You mix them and you have a mixture. But you can separate them physically using a magnet.
Answer:
- Element is the basic substance that can't be simplified and it consists of only one kind of atom. Element cannot be broken down into a simpler type of matter by either physical or chemical means.
- A compound consists of atoms of two or more different elements bound together,and can be broken down into a simpler type of matter by chemical means but not by physical means. Compound has properties that are different from its component elements, and always contains the same ratio of its component atoms.