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An element is a fundamental substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. It is composed of atoms that share the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei, known as the atomic number. Elements are the building blocks of all matter and form the basis of the periodic table, which organizes elements based on their atomic properties.

There are currently 118 known elements, recognized and classified by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). They can exist in various physical states—solid, liquid, or gas—under standard conditions. Some elements, such as oxygen and nitrogen, are essential for life, while others, like gold and platinum, are valued for their physical and chemical properties.

Elements can be categorized into metallic, nonmetallic, and metalloid groups. Metals, such as iron and copper, are characterized by their conductivity, malleability, and luster. Nonmetals, including carbon and sulfur, tend to be insulators and often exist as gases or brittle solids. Metalloids exhibit properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.

Elements are also distinguished by their isotopes, variants of atoms with the same number of protons but different neutron counts. This isotopic diversity influences atomic stability and physical characteristics but does not affect the element’s chemical identity.

In nature, elements are found in various forms—free in the Earth's crust, combined in compounds, or as ions in bodily functions. Elemental discovery and synthesis continue to be significant in scientific research, leading to the development of new materials and understanding of the universe’s composition.