* Compound: A compound is formed when two or more different elements chemically combine in a fixed ratio. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is formed by the chemical bonding of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in a 1:1 ratio.

* Element: An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Sodium and chlorine are both elements.

* Mixture: A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded. Salt dissolved in water is a mixture.

Therefore, table salt is a compound because it is a chemically bonded combination of sodium and chlorine.