Final answer:
Elements are pure substances that contain only one kind of matter, while compounds are pure substances that contain two or more kinds of matter. Mixtures are physical combinations of elements or compounds, which can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pure substance that contains only one kind of matter is called an element. Elements are substances that cannot be broken down into simpler materials, except during nuclear reactions. There are over 100 existing elements that are listed and classified on the periodic table.
A pure substance that contains two or more kinds of matter is called a compound. Compounds are substances in which the atoms are chemically combined in some way. Unlike elements, compounds cannot be separated by physical means.
A mixture is a physical combination of two or more elements or compounds. Mixtures can be either uniform (called homogeneous mixtures) or non-uniform (called heterogeneous mixtures).