What's the difference? (Stupid question alert!)

[dstormz]

Geez, I'm confused again.

What is the difference between an element and an atom?

I know an element is the fundamental unit or the building block of life, but how does it relate to an atom?

I just can't figure out the difference.

 

[cameltoe]

look at a penny. it is copper. this ELEMENT is composed of atoms that give copper its distinctive characteristics

 

[dstormz]

look at a penny. it is copper. this ELEMENT is composed of atoms that give copper its distinctive characteristics

thanks a lot. I understand it now.