Elements vs. Compounds

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What is an Element?

Back

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. It consists of only one type of atom.

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What is a Compound?

Back

A compound is a substance formed when two or more different elements are chemically bonded together. It can be broken down into simpler substances.

Front

How can you identify an Element from its chemical formula?

Back

An element is represented by a single capital letter or a capital letter followed by a lowercase letter (e.g., H for Hydrogen, O for Oxygen).

Front

How can you identify a Compound from its chemical formula?

Back

A compound is represented by two or more capital letters, indicating the presence of different elements (e.g., NaCl for Sodium Chloride).

Front

What does NaCl represent?

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NaCl represents Sodium Chloride, which is a compound made of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) atoms.

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What does Cl2 represent?

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Cl2 represents a molecule of chlorine gas, which is an element consisting of two chlorine atoms bonded together.

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How many elements are in the compound BrO6?

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BrO6 contains 2 different elements: Bromine (Br) and Oxygen (O).

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What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?

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An atom is the smallest unit of an element, while a molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together, which can be of the same or different elements.

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Can a compound be made of the same type of atoms?

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No, a compound must consist of different types of atoms. If it consists of the same type of atoms, it is considered an element.

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What is the chemical formula for water?

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The chemical formula for water is H2O, which indicates it is a compound made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.