The key difference between compound and mixture is that a compound is a substance formed by chemically combining elements in a fixed ratio, whereas a mixture is a physical combination of substances without a fixed composition.
Compound vs Mixture
The primary difference between compound and mixture is given below:
| Compound | Mixture | |
| Composition | Composed of two or more different elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio. | Composed of two or more substances physically mixed, each retaining its own properties. |
| Properties | Has unique properties distinct from its constituent elements. | Properties are a combination of the properties of its components. |
| Formation | Formed through chemical reactions between elements. | Formed by physically mixing substances, no chemical bonding occurs. |
| Separation | Requires chemical methods for separation into its individual elements. | Can be separated using physical methods like filtration, distillation, or evaporation. |
| Examples | Water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), sodium chloride (NaCl). | Saltwater, air, sand and salt mixture. |
| Homogeneity | Generally uniform and homogeneous throughout. | Can be homogeneous (uniform composition) or heterogeneous (non-uniform composition). |
| Energy Change | Often involves energy changes during formation or decomposition. | No significant energy change involved in mixing. |
| Ratio of Components | Has a fixed ratio of elements. | Components can be present in any proportion. |
| Reversibility | Generally not easily reversible to the original elements. | Easily reversible, components can be separated back to their original states. |
What is Compound?
A compound is a substance that is composed of two or more different elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio. In compounds, the atoms of these elements are bonded together through chemical bonds, forming distinct molecules with specific properties different from those of the individual elements. Compounds have a unique chemical composition and often exhibit characteristic physical and chemical properties. Examples of compounds include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sodium chloride (NaCl).
What is Mixture?
A mixture is a combination of two or more substances in which they retain their individual identities and properties, physically blended together without undergoing a chemical reaction. Mixtures can be homogeneous (uniform composition) or heterogeneous (non-uniform composition), and they can be separated into their original components using physical methods like filtration, distillation, or evaporation. Common examples of mixtures include air, saltwater, trail mix, and soil.