No, NaCl (sodium chloride, or common table salt) is not an element.
What is NaCl?
NaCl is a compound, meaning it is formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements. In the case of sodium chloride, it's formed from the elements sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl). These two elements are bonded together ionically.
Elements vs. Compounds
To understand why NaCl isn't an element, it's helpful to define the terms:
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Element: A pure substance that consists only of atoms that have the same number of protons in their nuclei. Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples: Sodium (Na), Chlorine (Cl), Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H). These are found on the periodic table.
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Compound: A substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. Compounds can be broken down into simpler substances (elements) by chemical reactions. Examples: Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Water (H₂O), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).
Conclusion
Because NaCl is made up of two different elements (sodium and chlorine) chemically bonded, it is classified as a compound, not an element.
