* Element: A pure substance made up of only one type of atom. Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples: gold (Au), oxygen (O), carbon (C).
* Compound: A substance formed when two or more different elements are chemically combined in a fixed ratio. Compounds can be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples: water (H₂O), table salt (NaCl), carbon dioxide (CO₂).
In essence:
* Elements are the building blocks.
* Compounds are made by combining those building blocks.
