Elements -only 1 kind of atom -cant be broken down into simpler type of matter -can be either atoms or molecules -examples=hydrogen, oxygen, gold, etc. -no more than 40 elements in our bodies Compounds -consists of atoms of ! different elements bound together -can be broken down into simpler means by chemical means "#$% -properties that are different from its component elements - always contains same ratio of component atoms -constant composition -no way to seperate Mixtures -consists ! different elements and&or compounds physically intermiglated - can be separated into its compounds by physical means -often retains many of properties of its compounds -dont ha'e constant composition -()# physically separate two elements -has ! different elements -made of elements -can be separated -cant be separated -! elements= 1 compound -can be broken down by physical means, chemical means, or both