Answer: whole number ratios
Explanation:
Element is a pure substance which is composed of atoms of similar elements.It can not be decomposed into simpler constituents using chemical reactions.Example: Copper [tex](Cu)[/tex]
Compound is a pure substance which is made from atoms of different elements combined together in a fixed ratio by mass. It can be decomposed into simpler constituents using chemical reactions. Example: water [tex](H_2O)[/tex]
Thus the ratio of hydrogen and oxygen is 2: 1 and is a whole number ratio.
