The key difference between compound and mixture is that compound is a substance formed by chemically combining elements in a fixed ratio, while a mixture is a physical combination of substances without a fixed composition.
Compound vs Mixture
The main difference between compound and mixture is given below:
| Aspect | 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. |
| Separation | Requires chemical methods for separation into its individual elements. | Can be separated using physical methods like filtration, distillation, or evaporation. |
| Formation | Formed through chemical reactions between elements. | Formed by physically mixing substances, no chemical bonding occurs. |
| 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. |
| Physical Change | Usually requires a chemical change to alter its composition. | Can undergo physical changes without altering the mixture’s nature. |
What is Compound?
A compound is a substance composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in a specific ratio. This chemical combination results in a unique substance with distinct properties that are often different from the properties of the individual elements that make up the compound.
Compounds are formed through chemical reactions, and their constituent elements are held together by chemical bonds, such as covalent or ionic bonds. Examples of compounds include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and table salt (NaCl).
What is Mixture?
A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are physically combined, each retaining its own individual properties. Unlike compounds, which involve chemical bonding between elements, mixtures do not undergo chemical reactions to form new substances.
Mixtures can be either homogeneous, where the components are evenly distributed and the mixture appears uniform throughout, or heterogeneous, where the components are not uniformly distributed and may be visually distinguishable. Mixtures can be separated back into their original components through physical methods like filtration, distillation, or evaporation. Common examples of mixtures include air, saltwater, trail mix, and soil.