Understanding What an Element Is
An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom. Each element has unique properties based on the number of protons in its atoms.
How Elements Are Defined
Elements are identified by their atomic number, which tells how many protons they have. This number determines the element’s behavior and characteristics.
Examples of Common Elements
Hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, iron, and gold are all elements. They cannot be broken down into simpler substances through normal chemical reactions.
Where Elements Are Found
Elements exist in the air, water, Earth’s crust, living organisms, and stars. Everything around you is made from different combinations of elements.
Why Elements Matter
Elements combine to form compounds, which create the wide variety of materials in the universe. Understanding them helps explain how matter behaves and changes.
The Simple Takeaway
An element is a substance made of one kind of atom. Elements are the basic building blocks of all matter in the universe.