Ask AI: Explain the relationship between an atom an element and a compound

Sure, let's break it down: 1. Atom: The atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains all of the chemical properties of an element. Atoms are exceedingly small and are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. 2. Element: An element is a pure substance that is made up from a single type of atom. For example, all atoms of the element oxygen have 8 protons, while all Iron atoms have 26 protons. The number of protons in an atom defines what element it is. 3. Compound: A compound is a substance that is formed when two or more different elements combine. The elements are combined in fixed ratios. For instance, water (H2O) is a compound made of Hydrogen and Oxygen, in the ratio of 2 hydrogen atoms for every oxygen atom. The properties of a compound are usually different from those of its constituent elements. So, in summary: atoms make up elements, and different elements can combine to form compounds.