What is the difference between an atom and an element? Some guidebooks are stating that an element is composed of one type of atom while an atom is made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. However, it is still puzzling because the main component of an element is also protons, neutrons, and electrons. This is confusing especially if we are looking at the composition of matter starting from its building blocks. Thus, it is essential to study what an atom and an element is to see their differences and their connection.
What an atom is
An atom is made up of subatomic particles known as neutrons, protons, and electrons. Neutrons and protons are located in the nucleus, the center of an atom. The reason why protons at the nucleus are not repelling each other is because of the strong nuclear force that is binding them in a cluster. Around the nucleus are the electrons. The number of protons at the nucleus is attracting an equal number of electrons around it. This is the reason why each atom consists of an equal amount of protons and electrons unless chemical reaction occurred, altering its number of electrons. There are different types of atoms based on their number of protons, electrons, and varying neutrons. Atoms that have the same number of protons and electrons but have a different number of neutrons are called isotopes.
What an Element is
An element is made from only one type of atom. For instance, hydrogen is made up of atoms consisting of 1 proton and 1 electron while helium is made up of atoms with two protons and two neutrons.
Molecule
Chemically combining two or more elements or atoms with the same number of protons will form a product called molecule. For instance, combining two oxygen atom is called an oxygen molecule.
Compound
On the other hand, combining two or more different elements or atoms with different types produced a product called compound. For example, combining two elements of hydrogen and 1 oxygen will form a compound called water.