Chemistry is the study of matter which is classified in many ways. One such classification is based on its chemical form that includes elements, compounds, and mixtures. Here, we shall discuss elements and compounds. What are Elements? Elements refer to those substances that are made up of one kind of atom. It can also be referred to as the simplest form of a chemical substance. Furthermore, there are more than 100 different chemical elements known, out of which 92 are the naturally-occurring ones, while the others are believed to be artificially developed through nuclear reactions. The periodic table is a tabular arrangement depicting these known chemical elements which are enlisted based on their atomic numbers. Moreover, the characteristics and properties of elements vary. They can exist in solid, liquid, or gaseous states. The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons an atom possesses, determines which element it is. Moreover, they are known to exist either as atoms like Argon, or even as molecules like Nitrogen. Here the molecules referred to are the diatomic molecules. Examples: Carbon with the symbol C, Sodium with the symbol Na, Chlorine with the symbol Cl, Tin with the symbol Sn, etc. What are Compounds? Compounds refer to those substances that are made up of two or more elements that are chemically bonded with each other. A substance containing more than one type of atom is a compound. Examples: Sodium Chloride (or NaCl), Hydrogen Peroxide (or H₂O₂), Ammonia (or NH₃), Baking soda (or NaHCO₃), etc. Here is a table stating the differences between the two. Elements Vs. Compounds Both elements and compounds are equally important in our daily life and have industrial uses too.