How is an element different from a compound? When a material is made of only one kind of atom, the material is called an "element." For instance, copper is made up of copper atoms,
and aluminum is made up of aluminum atoms.

If there are two or more different kinds of atoms in the material, it is called a "compound."

We need to obtain some objects made of various natural elements (e.g., iron nails, copper wire, aluminum foil, lead pipe). We have to be careful to get the right stuff. For example, some "iron" nails have been coated with other stuff so they won't rust, and they aren't the kind we need. Describe these materials and compare them with respect to as many of their characteristics as you can. Each material has its own physical characteristics and thus can be identified and described uniquely.