An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom. It cannot be broken
down into simpler parts by normal chemical means. There are 118 known elements,
shown on the Interactive Periodic Table of the Elements. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Types of Elements

Metals: Shiny, solid, and good at carrying heat and electricity (like gold, iron, and
copper).

Non-metals: Often gases or dull solids, and poor at carrying electricity (like
oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen).

Metalloids: Share mixed traits of both metals and non-metals (like silicon). [1, 2]
Key Facts

Atomic number: Tells the count of protons in an atom. This number defines what
the element is.

Symbols: Short one- or two-letter codes (like H for hydrogen or Na for sodium).

Natural occurrence: 94 of them are found naturally on Earth. The rest are made
in labs. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]