**Characteristics of Mixtures and Compounds**

Mixtures and compounds are both types of substances, but they have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from each other.

**Mixtures**
A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are physically intermingled but not chemically bonded. Mixtures can be separated into their individual components through physical methods such as filtration, distillation, or evaporation. Some examples of mixtures include air, saltwater, and trail mix.

**Compounds**
A compound, on the other hand, is a substance that is composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in fixed proportions. Compounds have a definite composition and can only be separated into their individual elements through chemical means such as a chemical reaction. Examples of compounds include water (H2O) and sodium chloride (NaCl).

**Characteristic Property of Mixtures and Compounds: Mass**

The characteristic property that is common to both mixtures and compounds is that their masses are equal to the sum of the masses of their components. This is known as the law of conservation of mass, which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical or physical change.

When a mixture is formed, the mass of the mixture is equal to the sum of the masses of its individual components. For example, if you mix 10 grams of salt and 20 grams of sugar, the total mass of the mixture will be 30 grams.

Similarly, when a compound is formed, the mass of the compound is also equal to the sum of the masses of its constituent elements. For example, if you combine 1 gram of hydrogen (H) with 8 grams of oxygen (O), the resulting compound, water (H2O), will have a mass of 9 grams.

This characteristic property of equal mass holds true for both mixtures and compounds because the total mass of the substances involved remains constant throughout the formation or separation process. The law of conservation of mass ensures that the amount of matter present before and after a physical or chemical change remains the same.

In conclusion, the characteristic property of both mixtures and compounds is that their masses are equal to the sum of the masses of their components. This property is in accordance with the law of conservation of mass, which states that mass is conserved in chemical and physical changes.