The difference between a mixture and a compound is primarily based on how their components are combined and their resulting properties. A compound is a pure substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond together in a fixed ratio, resulting in new properties different from the original elements. Compounds have a definite chemical formula and uniform composition throughout. They can only be separated into their elements by chemical means. Examples include water (H2O) and sodium chloride (NaCl). A mixture is a physical combination of two or more substances where no chemical bonding occurs. The components retain their original properties and can be present in any proportion. Mixtures can be separated by physical methods such as filtration or distillation. They may be homogeneous (uniform composition) or heterogeneous (non-uniform composition). Examples include air and saltwater. Key distinctions include:
- Formation: Compounds form by chemical reactions, mixtures form by physical mixing.
- Composition: Compounds have fixed ratios, mixtures have variable proportions.
- Properties: Compounds have new properties, mixtures retain original properties.
- Separation: Compounds require chemical methods, mixtures can be separated physically.
- Physical characteristics: Compounds have sharp melting/boiling points; mixtures do not necessarily.
This difference is fundamental in chemistry for identifying substances and understanding their behavior and separation methods.
