Yes, H2 is an element.
While it's more specifically referred to as molecular hydrogen, the key is that it consists of only one type of atom: hydrogen. An element is defined by the type of atom it contains. Because H2 is made of only hydrogen atoms, it is an element.
Here's a breakdown to clarify the terminology:
- Element: A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom (e.g., Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Carbon (C)).
- Molecule: Two or more atoms chemically bonded together (e.g., H2, O2, H2O).
- Compound: A molecule made of two or more different elements (e.g., H2O, NaCl).
Therefore, H2 is:
- An element because it's made solely of hydrogen atoms.
- A molecule because it consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded together.
- Not a compound because it's made of only one element.
