Question

Differentiate between an element and a compound. Write one example each. Why water considered as a compound ? Mention two points.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Element

1. Element is a pure substance made up of only one kind of atoms.
2. They cannot be broken down to simpler substances by any physical or chemical process.

Ex: 1 Iron atom.

Compound

1. Compound is a pure substance made up of atoms of different substances or elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio by mass.
2. The constituent elements of a compound cannot be separated by any physical means.

Ex: Water.

Water is considered a compound as it is chemically combined by the elements of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio 2:1 respectively. It is combined by the chemical process of Electrolysis reaction.

Though Hydrogen is a combustible gas and Oxygen is a supporter of combustion, Water extinguishes fire. Hence, Water is a compound as it does not retain the properties of its constituent elements Hydrogen and Oxygen.