Copper is classified as an element. Elements are pure substances that consist of only one type of atom and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Copper, with the chemical symbol Cu and atomic number 29, is a metal found on the periodic table. It has distinct physical and chemical properties that make it unique, such as its conductivity and malleability.
In contrast, a compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. Examples of compounds include water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). A mixture, on the other hand, is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically combined; each substance retains its own properties. For instance, air is a mixture of gases, and salad is a mixture of various vegetables.
Therefore, copper stands out as a pure element, unlike compounds or mixtures, which consist of multiple substances or different types of atoms.