How are mixtures different from compounds?

Mixtures are combinations of substances that can be physically separated, while compounds are chemically bonded substances that can't be separated physically.

Mixtures and compounds are two different types of matter that we encounter in our daily lives. The key difference between them lies in the way their constituent elements are combined and the method required to separate them.

A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically united and do not exist in fixed proportions to each other. Most of the natural substances are mixtures. For example, air is a mixture of various gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. In a mixture, the substances maintain their original properties. Moreover, the components of a mixture can be separated by simple physical methods such as filtration, evaporation, or using a magnet.

On the other hand, a compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. The resulting compound has properties that are different from the original elements. For instance, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The properties of water are different from both hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike mixtures, compounds cannot be separated into their constituent elements by physical methods. They require chemical reactions for their separation.

In summary, the main difference between mixtures and compounds is the way their components are combined and the methods required for their separation. Mixtures are physically combined and can be separated by physical methods, while compounds are chemically combined and require chemical reactions for their separation. Understanding these differences is fundamental to the study of chemistry.