Here's why:
* Elements are the simplest forms of matter. They cannot be broken down further by chemical means. Examples include oxygen (O), carbon (C), and gold (Au).
* Compounds are formed when two or more elements chemically combine in a fixed ratio. The properties of a compound are different from the elements that make it up. Examples include water (H₂O), salt (NaCl), and sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁).
