Since they are all made of atoms and molecules, what makes one element different from another element?
Answer Elements as opposed to COMPOUNDS are made up of only one kind of atom. Single atoms and compounds are both considered Molecules; but that is the difference. There are over 100 natural and (now) man-made ELEMENTS and out of these ALL other things are formed, either by nature or by man. But nature combines quite a few in MANY different ways to form compounds and very complex molecules. Man has learned to make even more, but the Elements by definition, are made up of only one kind of atom. The elements go from the lightest; Hydrogen with only one proton and one electron to the heaviest usually consisting of the same number of protons to electrons. Iron, for instance, is the element #26 because it is one atom consisting of 26 protons and 26 electrons. It is considered the divide between the lighter elements, which are what is called relatively stable, and the heavier elements with more electrons and protons and become more unstable the higher the number until we come to those that a
