How can compounds be separated into elements?
Consequently, can compounds be separated by physical means?
A compound is a pure substance composed of two or more different atoms chemically bonded to one another. That means that it can not be separated into its constituents by mechanical or physical means and only can be destroyed by chemical means.
In this manner, how are elements related to compounds?
A compound contains atoms of different elements chemically combined together in a fixed ratio. An element is a pure chemical substance made of same type of atom. Compounds contain different elements in a fixed ratio arranged in a defined manner through chemical bonds.
The quick answer is: Diamond is a pure element, carbon; gold is a pure element, gold; and rust is a compound, Iron Oxide, of iron and Oxygen. Diamond is pure elemental carbon, compressed to its crystal form, under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth. The symbol for carbon is C.