Mixtures
* Definition: A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded.
* Components: The substances in a mixture retain their individual properties.
* Separation: Components can be separated by physical means (filtration, evaporation, magnetism, etc.).
* Examples: Salt and pepper, sand and water, air (nitrogen and oxygen), salad dressing.
Compounds
* Definition: A substance formed when two or more elements are chemically combined in a fixed ratio.
* Components: The components of a compound lose their individual properties and form a new substance with entirely different properties.
* Separation: Components can only be separated by chemical means.
* Examples: Water (H₂O), salt (NaCl), sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁), carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Here's a table for easier comparison:
| Feature | Mixture | Compound |
|-------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Definition | Combination of substances not chemically bonded | Substance formed by chemical combination |
| Components | Retain individual properties | New substance with different properties |
| Separation | Physical means | Chemical means |
| Examples | Salt and pepper, air | Water, salt, sugar |
In a nutshell:
* Mixtures are like a salad – the ingredients are still recognizable.
* Compounds are like a cake – the ingredients have combined to form a new, distinct entity.
