What is an element?

In chemistry, an element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Elements are made up of atoms that all have the same number of protons in their nucleus. There are currently 118 known elements, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Examples of elements include hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and gold.

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances through chemical reactions. Elements are the fundamental building blocks of matter and are characterized by a unique atomic number, which determines the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of the element.