Here's why:
* Chemical Formula: The chemical formula NaClO₃ indicates that sodium chlorate is a compound formed by the chemical combination of sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O) atoms in a specific ratio.
* Fixed Composition: Pure substances have a fixed and definite composition. In sodium chlorate, the ratio of sodium, chlorine, and oxygen atoms is always 1:1:3.
* Properties: Sodium chlorate has unique properties distinct from both sodium chloride and oxygen. It is a white, crystalline solid that is a powerful oxidizing agent and is used in various industrial applications.
Mixtures on the other hand, involve the physical combination of two or more substances, where each substance retains its individual properties.
Therefore, sodium chlorate is a pure compound and not a mixture of sodium chloride and oxygen.
