Difference Between Elements and Atoms
Understanding the difference between elements and atoms is crucial from the NEET syllabus perspective, if you want to score good marks in the exam, knowing difference between elements and atoms will build the foundation of your understanding about the elements and atoms.
Praveen Kushwah9 Jun, 2025
Share
Difference Between Elements and Atoms : When you are learning chemistry, you often come across words like "elements" and "atoms." As you go deeper into the subject, things may get tricky. Understanding the difference between elements and atoms is crucial from the NEET syllabus perspective and it will help you to handle the trickiest questions from this area in the exam.
Difference Between Elements and Atoms Overview
An element is a pure substance consisting of atoms with the same number of protons, categorized on the periodic table by atomic number. Atoms, on the other hand, are the basic units composing elements, featuring protons, neutrons, and electrons. Elements differentiate themselves through distinct atomic structures, while atoms represent the smallest known units of matter. The relationship between elements and atoms forms the foundation of NEET Chemistry understanding.| Difference Between Elements and Atoms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Elements | Atoms |
| Definition | Substances are made up of identical atoms. | The basic building blocks of matter. |
| Composition | Consists of only one type of atom. | Composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. |
| Size | Macroscopic, visible to the naked eye. | Microscopic, not visible individually. |
| Structure | Represented by chemical symbols (e.g., O for oxygen). | Composed of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons. |
| Smallest Unit | At the macroscopic level, elements. | At the microscopic level, individual atoms. |
| Chemical Properties | Define the unique characteristics of substances. | Determine the behavior and reactivity of elements. |
| Examples | Oxygen (O), Gold (Au), Hydrogen (H). | Hydrogen atom (H), Carbon atom (C), Oxygen atom (O). |
| Combination | Combine to form compounds through chemical reactions. | Combine to form molecules or compounds. |
| Atomic Number | Each element has a unique atomic number. | Different atoms have different atomic numbers. |
| Mass Number | Varies for different isotopes of an element. | The sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. |
| Charge | Elements are neutral. | Atoms can be neutral, positively, or negatively charged. |
| Existence | Exists in various states (solid, liquid, gas) and isotopes. | Individual atoms are always in motion and exist in various energy states. |
What is an Element?
Elements are the fundamental substances that makeup matter. They consist of only one type of atom, each characterized by a unique number of protons in its nucleus. Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number, reflecting the number of protons in their atoms. Each element exhibits distinct chemical properties and is represented by a specific chemical symbol.Example : Oxygen (O), Gold (Au), Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Iron (Fe)
What is an Atom?
Atoms are the basic foundation of matter, representing the smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties. They consist of a nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in energy levels. Atoms are the foundational components that combine to form molecules and compounds through chemical bonding. The unique arrangement and interaction of atoms determine the properties of substances, and their behavior governs the fundamental principles of chemistry.
Example : Take the hydrogen atom (H) as an example. It consists of a nucleus with one proton and usually one electron orbiting the nucleus. The simplest and lightest atom, hydrogen is a fundamental element in the universe and a key component of various complex molecules.
NEET online coaching offers the best platform for medical aspirants to prepare for the NEET exam. With expert tutors and interactive study materials, aspirants can access quality education from the comfort of their homes. Join PW's Online courses and get ready for a successful medical career.Difference Between Elements and Atoms FAQs
Are all atoms an element?
No, not all atoms are elements. An atom is the basic unit of matter, while an element consists of only one type of atom. Elements are made up of identical atoms with the same number of protons.
How many atoms are in an element?
The number of atoms in an element can vary based on the quantity of the substance. In a sample of an element, there are Avogadro's number of atoms, approximately 6.022 x 10^23 atoms per mole.
How are elements different because of their atoms?
Elements differ from one another based on the number of protons in their atoms. This unique number, known as the atomic number, determines the identity of the element. Elements can also have different isotopes with varying numbers of neutrons.
What is an example of an atom?
An example of an atom is a hydrogen atom. It is the simplest atom and consists of one proton in the nucleus, one electron orbiting the nucleus, and no neutrons in its most common form.
What are the 3 types of atoms?
Atoms can be broadly classified into three types based on their electric charge:
Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus.
Neutrons: Neutral particles found in the nucleus.
Electrons: Negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus in electron shells.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
