Answer:
An atom is the smallest partical in the universe that makes up everything you see around you. Every chemical element is also made up of atoms. Since atoms are what give each element their defining characteristics, each element can be composed of multiple atoms but you must have all of the same type of atoms combined in order for it to be considered an element. For example the element gold can only contain gold atoms. If you mix the atoms of one element with the atoms of another your substance has then been changed from an element to a compound.
Step-by-step explanation: