Question

Describe an element and a compound. Compare and contrast their similarities and differences. Identify how elements are related to compounds. Be sure to include the following key vocabulary terms: Pure substance, chemical symbol, chemical formula.

Answer 1

» Similarities :

☑ They both react by chemical means, to produce either an element or compound as the end product of the chemical reaction.

• Take an example of Magnesium reacting with cold water:

`{ \rm{Mg_((s)) + 2H _(2) O _((l)) → Mg(OH)_(2(aq)) + H_(2(g))}}`

• If it reacts with steam:

`{ \rm{Mg _((s)) + H _(2) O_((l)) → MgO_((s)) + H_(2(g))</p><p>}}`

• [ Element: Magnesium and Compound: Water ]

They are both classified under atomic substances cause they are made up of microscopic molecules known as atoms.

☑ They are both formed up by microscopic substances known as atoms.

» Differences :

☑ Compounds generally have higher molecular masses than elements.

☑ Compounds are formed through bonding by elements while elements can naturally exist or formed by extraction, purification and concentration