Final answer:
Elements are fundamental substances made up of atoms with the same number of protons. There are 118 known elements, each with a unique set of chemical and physical properties, and 92 of which are naturally occurring on Earth. Elements combine to form all matter, including the components of the universe and life on our planet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elements are fundamental substances that consist of atoms with the same number of protons in their nuclei, and cannot be broken down into simpler substances through ordinary chemical processes. Each element has a unique set of chemical and physical properties. They are the building blocks of matter and make up everything in the universe, from stars to the cells in our bodies. As of the current knowledge, there are 118 known elements, each identified by a unique chemical symbol based on either its English or Latin name, like hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N).
The formation of these elements is a marvel of cosmic and chemical evolution. Some of the essential elements for life, such as hydrogen and oxygen, originated from the big bang and through the lifecycle of stars. The elements we encounter were once forged in the heart of stars and distributed across the universe upon the star's demise, eventually becoming part of planets like Earth. The periodic table of elements, a tabular arrangement, categorizes these substances based on their atomic number and shared properties.
On our planet, we find 92 naturally occurring elements, with the others being synthesised in laboratories. These elements combine in countless ways to form the compounds that make up the material world, from simple water molecules to the complex structures within our own bodies.