Compounds 1. Compounds are pure substances. 2. They are made up of two or more elements combined chemically. 3. The constituents of a compound are present in a fixed ratio. 4. Compounds have fixed properties. For example, a particular compound will have fixed temperatures at which it melts and boils. 5. A compound can have properties different from its constituents, as a new substance is formed when the constituents are chemically combined. 6. The constituents of a compound can be separated only by chemical methods. Mixtures 1. Mixtures are impure substances. 2. They are made up of two or more substances mixed physically. 3. The constituents of a mixture are present in varying ratios. 4. Mixtures do not have fixed properties. Their properties depend on the nature of their compo­nents and the ratios in which they are combined. 5. In mixtures, no new substance is formed. The properties of a mixture are the same as the properties of its constituents. 6. The constituents of a mixture can be separated easily by physical methods.

Difference between Mixture and Compound

Matter can exist in different forms, and two common types of matter are mixtures and compounds. While both mixtures and compounds consist of two or more substances, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let's delve into the details of each category to understand the difference between mixtures and compounds.

Mixtures:
A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are physically blended together, without any chemical reaction taking place. In a mixture, the substances retain their individual properties and can be separated by physical means such as filtration, distillation, or evaporation. Key features of mixtures include:

1. Heterogeneous: Mixtures can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous. Homogeneous mixtures have uniform composition throughout and are often referred to as solutions. Heterogeneous mixtures, on the other hand, have non-uniform composition and contain visible or distinguishable parts.

2. Variable Composition: The components of a mixture can be present in any proportion. The ratio of substances in a mixture can be changed without affecting its fundamental properties.

3. No Chemical Bonding: In mixtures, the substances are held together by weak intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonds. These forces are easily overcome by physical processes.

4. Separation: The components of a mixture can be separated by using physical methods like filtration, distillation, or chromatography. Each substance retains its original properties after separation.

Compounds:
A compound is a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements in a fixed ratio. Unlike mixtures, compounds have properties that differ from those of their component elements. Let's explore the characteristics of compounds:

1. Homogeneous: Compounds have a uniform composition throughout, meaning their constituent elements are combined in a fixed proportion.

2. Fixed Composition: The ratio of elements in a compound is always constant. Changing the proportion of elements alters the compound's identity and properties.

3. Chemical Bonding: Compounds are held together by strong chemical bonds, such as covalent or ionic bonds. These bonds require energy to break and are responsible for the compound's unique properties.

4. Separation: Unlike mixtures, compounds cannot be separated by physical means alone. They require chemical reactions or processes, such as decomposition or electrolysis, to break the bonds and separate the elements.

Summary:
In summary, the key differences between mixtures and compounds can be summarized as follows:

- Mixtures are physically blended combinations of substances, while compounds are chemically combined substances.
- Mixtures can be heterogeneous or homogeneous, while compounds are always homogeneous.
- Mixtures have variable composition, whereas compounds have a fixed composition.
- Mixtures can be separated by physical methods, while compounds require chemical processes for separation.
- Mixtures retain the properties of their individual components, while compounds have unique properties distinct from their constituent elements.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for comprehending the behavior and properties of different types of matter.