Theory Lesson on 14/1/13

Today in class I learnt about what elements, atoms and compounds are. 

Elements are made up of only one type of atom while atoms are the smallest particle that retains the chemical properties of the substance. Compounds are made up of two or more atoms chemically bonded together. 

In addition, I learnt that the Periodic Table is classified into groups and periods. Groups are the vertical columns and they number from I to 0/VIII. Periods are the horizontal rows that number from 1 to 7. 

Actually, although I've heard of what elements, atoms and compounds are, I was really confused at the start. I was not sure of what exactly was the difference between the elements and atoms, since both have got to do with atoms, I would mix the two up, thinking that they are almost the same thing. However, after being given an analogy in class today, all my confusion were cleared at once.

The analogy was that each paperclip is an "atom". When they are connected together, the string of paperclips is an "element". 

I find this analogy really helpful, and I feel that by using analogies, I can understand much better. So I hope that there will be more interesting analogies in class to aid my understanding in Chemistry.