what are elements

An element is a fundamental substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical methods. Each element is made up of only one type of atom, characterized by the number of protons in its nucleus, known as its atomic number. Elements are the building blocks of all matter; everything in the universe consists of atoms of one or more elements. There are about 118 known elements, some occurring naturally and others synthesized artificially. Examples include hydrogen, oxygen, gold, and carbon. Elements can combine to form compounds, but individually they remain pure substances that cannot be decomposed further by ordinary chemical processes.