chemical compound

A chemical compound is a substance formed when two or more different elements, like hydrogen and oxygen, chemically combine in fixed proportions. These elements bond together through processes such as sharing or transferring electrons, creating a new substance with unique properties. Compounds can exist in various forms, including liquids, solids, or gases, and are the basic building blocks of matter. Examples include water (H₂O), which is made of hydrogen and oxygen, and table salt (NaCl), composed of sodium and chlorine. Understanding compounds helps explain how substances behave and interact in our world.