Mixture vs. Compound: The Core Distinction
A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio, creating a new substance with entirely new properties. In contrast, a mixture consists of two or more substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded, meaning each substance retains its own chemical identity and properties.
An Example: Saltwater vs. Table Salt
Table salt (Sodium Chloride, NaCl) is a compound. The elements sodium (a reactive metal) and chlorine (a toxic gas) chemically combine to form a new, edible crystalline solid. Saltwater, however, is a mixture. Salt and water are physically mixed together, but no new chemical substance is formed. You can separate them again by simple evaporation, and both the salt and water retain their individual properties.