Difference between element and compound.

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down through a chemical reaction. These are represented by symbols. 

Example: Sodium is represented as Na.

The atoms in a compound possess strong chemical bonds and hence cannot be separated easily. They are represented by their chemical formula.

Example: NaCl is a salt.

When a matter is made of only one kind of atom, it is called an element.

Hence, all the properties of that atom are represented by its atom.

A compound is a substance made up of two or more elements.

For example, the hydrogen element is made from atoms with a single proton and a single electron.

For example, water (H₂O) is a compound made from hydrogen elements (H₂) and oxygen atoms.