What are the differences between compound and mixture?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of Differentiation
Compound 
Mixture

Definition
Is a substance that is formed by chemically combining two or more elements in a fixed ratio
Is a substance that is formed by physically mixing two or more substance without a chemical combination or reaction

Substance Category
Is categorized as a pure substance as it is composed of the same types of molecules 
Is categorized as an impure substance as it is composed of two or more elements or compounds that do not necessarily have the same types of molecules

Representation
Is represented by a chemical formula that uses the symbols of its constituent elements 
Cannot be represented by a chemical formula

Composition
Contains different elements in a fixed ratio arranged in a defined manner through chemical bonds
May contain a variable composition of elements and compounds in no fixed ratio – the ingredients are only physically mixed, there is no chemical bonding

Visibility of individual ingredients
The individual ingredients are not visibly distinct e.g. hydrogen and oxygen are not visibly distinct in water
The individual ingredients are often visibly distinct e.g. sand and water are visibly distinct in a mixture of sand and water

Mass ratio
Has a specific mass ratio - e.g. pyrite has 53.4% Sulfur and 46.6% iron by mass
Has a variable mass ratio, which depends on the quantity of each ingredient added to the mixture

Nature of bonds
Each molecule is made from two or more different types of atoms that are chemically bonded
Does not contain any atomic bonds

Separation of components
Can be separated into simpler substances by chemical reactions
Can separated into individual components by physical or mechanical methods

Types

3 types: Covalent compounds; Metallic compounds; Ionic compounds
May be organic or inorganic depending on the presence of carbon in molecular structure

3 types: Solids; Liquids; Gasses

Nature
Is always homogeneous in nature
May be homogeneous or heterogeneous in nature

Properties
Has specific physical and chemical properties that are distinct from its constituent elements – this is because the constituent elements lose their original properties after bonding
Does not have specific consistent physical and chemical properties of its own – instead the properties reflect its constituent substances, which retain their individual original properties

Separation of Constituents
Constituents can only be separated using complex chemical or electrochemical techniques 
Constituents can be separated easily using simple physical separation techniques such as filtration

Melting and Boiling Points
Has defined melting and boiling points 
Does not have defined melting or boiling points

Example

Sodium chloride (NaCl) Water (H2O); Hydrochloric acid (HCl); Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)

Sand and water; Pasta and sauce; Smog (smoke + fog); Vapor in air; Oil and water

Basis of Differentiation	Compound	Mixture
Definition	Is a substance that is formed by chemically combining two or more elements in a fixed ratio	Is a substance that is formed by physically mixing two or more substance without a chemical combination or reaction
Substance Category	Is categorized as a pure substance as it is composed of the same types of molecules	Is categorized as an impure substance as it is composed of two or more elements or compounds that do not necessarily have the same types of molecules
Representation	Is represented by a chemical formula that uses the symbols of its constituent elements	Cannot be represented by a chemical formula
Composition	Contains different elements in a fixed ratio arranged in a defined manner through chemical bonds	May contain a variable composition of elements and compounds in no fixed ratio – the ingredients are only physically mixed, there is no chemical bonding
Visibility of individual ingredients	The individual ingredients are not visibly distinct e.g. hydrogen and oxygen are not visibly distinct in water	The individual ingredients are often visibly distinct e.g. sand and water are visibly distinct in a mixture of sand and water
Mass ratio	Has a specific mass ratio - e.g. pyrite has 53.4% Sulfur and 46.6% iron by mass	Has a variable mass ratio, which depends on the quantity of each ingredient added to the mixture
Nature of bonds	Each molecule is made from two or more different types of atoms that are chemically bonded	Does not contain any atomic bonds
Separation of components	Can be separated into simpler substances by chemical reactions	Can separated into individual components by physical or mechanical methods
Types	3 types: Covalent compounds; Metallic compounds; Ionic compounds May be organic or inorganic depending on the presence of carbon in molecular structure	3 types: Solids; Liquids; Gasses
Nature	Is always homogeneous in nature	May be homogeneous or heterogeneous in nature
Properties	Has specific physical and chemical properties that are distinct from its constituent elements – this is because the constituent elements lose their original properties after bonding	Does not have specific consistent physical and chemical properties of its own – instead the properties reflect its constituent substances, which retain their individual original properties
Separation of Constituents	Constituents can only be separated using complex chemical or electrochemical techniques	Constituents can be separated easily using simple physical separation techniques such as filtration
Melting and Boiling Points	Has defined melting and boiling points	Does not have defined melting or boiling points
Example	Sodium chloride (NaCl) Water (H2O); Hydrochloric acid (HCl); Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)	Sand and water; Pasta and sauce; Smog (smoke + fog); Vapor in air; Oil and water

What are the differences between compound and mixture?

Posted May 13, 2022