Last Updated: 3 May 2026Verified for JEE 2027
ChemistryJEE & NEET
Difference Between Element and Compound
Elements are pure substances made of one type of atom, while compounds are substances made of two or more elements chemically bonded in fixed ratios.
Element vs Compound — Comparison Table
| Aspect | Element | Compound |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Pure substance with one type of atom | Substance with two or more elements in fixed ratio |
| Composition | Single type of atom | Multiple types of atoms |
| Total known | 118 elements | Millions of compounds |
| Separation | Cannot be broken down chemically | Can be broken into elements |
| Properties | Properties of constituent atoms | Properties differ from constituent elements |
| Example | Gold (Au), Oxygen (O₂) | Water (H₂O), Salt (NaCl) |
Key Points to Remember
Elements are organized in the Periodic Table
Compounds have fixed composition by mass (Law of Definite Proportions)
Mixtures ≠ Compounds (mixtures have variable composition)
Compounds can only be separated by chemical reactions
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