Difference Between Elements and Atoms

“Elements” and “Atoms” are the two most commonly used terms in science subjects. It’s confusing for some people what is an atom and an element. Understanding the difference between them is important for studying different reactions and applications of chemistry. Atoms are the most basic, term when you start chemistry learn about matter elements, and atoms are related to matter. In this article, we will find out what is atom and element, their characteristics, and the differences between them.

What is an Element?

We know that atoms consist of different numbers of protons and electrons. Element means a pure substance formed by atoms in which all atoms consist same number of protons. And number of protons will decide the atomic number of the element. The atomic number decides which element it is. For example- A chlorine element consists of the same atoms. This means an element of chlorine will consist of atoms that have only 17 protons in nuclei. So, there are different elements based on the number of protons in an atom. Till now 118 different elements have been known.

Elements will have properties same as atoms because elements are made of the same atoms and are divided and named on the basis of atomic number(protons in nuclei) To understand the clearer difference between atoms and nuclei I have made a table of differences below

Properties of Element

• Atomic Number (Z): Just like in atoms, the atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus. It is the fundamental property that defines the identity of an element. For example, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, and oxygen has an atomic number of 8.
• Atomic Mass (A): The atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of all its isotopes. It is usually measured in atomic mass units (u) and provides information about the element’s mass relative to a standard reference. For example, the atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 u.
• Electron Configuration: The arrangement of electrons in energy levels or electron shells determines an element’s chemical behavior and reactivity. Elements follow specific rules when filling their electron shells. For instance, sodium (Na) has an electron configuration of 2-8-1.
• Valence Electrons: These are the electrons in the outermost energy level (shell) of an atom. The number of valence electrons determines an element’s chemical reactivity. For example, carbon has four valence electrons.
• Ionization Energy: This is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom, turning it into a positively charged ion. Elements with higher ionization energies tend to hold their electrons more tightly, and elements with lower ionization energies are more likely to lose electrons to form positive ions.
• Electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an element’s ability to attract and bond with electrons in a chemical compound. Elements with higher electronegativity values tend to attract electrons more strongly. For example, oxygen has a high electronegativity.
• Atomic Radius: The atomic radius is a measure of the size of an atom. It is typically defined as the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electrons in an atom. Atomic radius tends to increase as you move down a group (column) in the periodic table and decrease as you move across a period (row).

What is an atom?

An atom is the smallest unit of matter(Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass) An atom is made of three subatomic particles Proton, a neutron, and an electron

• Protons: Protons carry a positive charge and are responsible for the atomic number of an element. Each element has a unique number of protons, which defines its identity. For example, hydrogen has one proton, while oxygen has eight.
• Neutrons: Neutrons are electrically neutral and add to the mass of the nucleus without significantly affecting an element’s chemical properties.
• Electrons: Electrons, found in electron clouds surrounding the nucleus, have a negative charge. They determine an atom’s chemical reactivity and play a crucial role in bonding with other atoms.

Properties of Atom

• Atomic Number(represented by Z) is the total number of protons present in nucleus of an atom. It is very important its the identity for an atom
• Atomic mass(A) is the mass of atom which includes sum of protons and neutron mass of electron is negligible It is usually measured in atomic mass units (u).
• The arrangement of electrons in energy levels or electron shells determines an atom’s chemical behavoir and reactivity. Electrons fill the lowest energy level first and follow specific rules.
• In a neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons, resulting in an overall neutral charge. This balance of positive and negative charges keeps the atom stable.
• Ionization energy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom, turning it into a positively charged ion. Elements with higher ionization energies tend to hold their electrons more tightly.
• Atomic radius, as we are getting from name is measure of size of atom. Its is generally distance between nucleus to outermost electrons.

Difference Between Elements and Atoms

Here are the points of difference between atoms and elements on the basis of their definition, composition, identity, properties, size, existence in nature, and examples:

Characteristic	Atom	Element
Definition	The smallest indivisible unit of matter.	A pure chemical substance composed of atoms with the same number of protons.
Composition	Made of electron, proton and neutons	Consists of a collection of atoms, all with the same atomic number.
Subcomponents	Contains protons, neutrons, and electrons within its structure.	Comprises a single type of atom.
Identity	Atoms are identified by their atomic number.	Elements are identified by their chemical symbol and atomic number.
Chemical Properties	The behaviour of atoms is primarily determined by the arrangement of their electrons.	The chemical properties of an element are derived from the behavior of its atoms.
Size	Atoms are incredibly small, typically on the order of a few tenths of a nanometer (0.1 nm or smaller).	Elements can be found in various states (solid, liquid, gas) and have macroscopic sizes.
Electric Charge	Atoms are electrically neutral (same number of protons and electrons).	Elements as a whole do not have a net electric charge.
Fundamental Unit	Atoms are the fundamental units of matter and are not further divisible by chemical means.	Elements are composed of atoms and can be broken down into atoms by chemical reactions.
Existence in Nature	Atoms exist independently and can combine to form molecules or compounds.	Elements are found in nature as pure substances or in various combinations to create compounds and mixtures.
Examples	Hydrogen atom (H), Oxygen atom (O)	Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Iron (Fe)

Conclusion – Elements vs. Atoms

Hence, we know now that elements and atoms are similar terms but not same. Elements are pure substances which consists many but same type of atoms and atoms are smallest unit of matter. We tried to provide some examples of atoms and elements and cleared misconceptions related to them. We hope that this article helped you in differentiating between atoms and elements in a simple way. We should appreciate the importance and relevance of chemistry in our lives.

FAQs on Elements And Atoms

1. How many known elements are there?

There are 118 known elements on the periodic table.

2. What is identity of an element?

The identity of an element is decided by atomic number means number of protons in nuclei.

3.What are valence electrons?

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its chemical reactivity.

4. Can an element exist in different forms?

Yes, elements can exist in various states, such as solids, liquids, or gases, depending on conditions.

5. What is difference between element and compounds?

Atom is pure substance made up of single type of atom. Compound is also pure substance made of two o more types of atom for ex. O (Oxygen) is an element and H2O is compound of two elements oxygen and hydrogen

6. How do atoms combine to form compounds?

Atoms combine through chemical bonds to create compounds with distinct properties.