Element vs Compound An element is a pure substance. In other words, an element cannot be broken down into a simpler substance by physical or chemical means.An element is made up of only one type of atom. An atom consists of a proton, neutron, and an electron. Some common examples of an element would be carbon, oxygen, or iron. The elements are arranged in the periodic table based on their number of protons. For example, sodium has 11 protons, potassium has 19 The number of protons of elements always stays the same. Each element also has its own unique set of properties. A compound is a pure substance of two or more elements chemically combined. Elements combine during a chemical change. A particle of a compound is called a molecule. When the elements combine chemically a new substance is created. The compound has different properties than the elements that make it Hydrogen and oxygen are gases but they combine to make liquid water. Here are some items that combine to make compounds Ta