Compounds are made from different atoms of two or more elements.

Here's a breakdown:

* Element: A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom (e.g., gold, oxygen, carbon).

* Compound: A substance formed when two or more different elements chemically combine in a fixed ratio (e.g., water (H₂O), salt (NaCl), sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁)).

Key points:

* Chemical bonds: Atoms in compounds are held together by chemical bonds, which involve sharing or transferring electrons.

* Fixed ratio: The elements in a compound always combine in a specific and unchanging ratio.

* New properties: Compounds have properties that are different from the elements they are made of. For example, water (H₂O) is a liquid at room temperature, while hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) are gases.

Let me know if you have any more questions about compounds or elements!