What is elemens?

Elements are the basic building blocks of matter and are known as pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. There are 118 known elements in the periodic table, each with distinct chemical and physical properties and arranged based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical and physical properties. Elements can be classified as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Metallic elements are known for being good conductors of electricity and heat, having a shiny appearance, and having high melting and boiling points. Nonmetallic elements are characterized by poor conductivity, brittle texture, lack of luster, and low melting and boiling points. Metalloids exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals and are located along the "staircase" of the periodic table. Some of the most commonly known elements include carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, iron, and gold.