* Compound: A compound is formed when two or more elements chemically combine in a fixed ratio. The resulting substance has entirely different properties than its original components. For example, water (H₂O) is a compound formed from hydrogen and oxygen.

* Mixture: A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded. The substances in a mixture retain their individual properties and can be separated by physical means.

Paper is a mixture because:

* It's made from different substances: Paper is primarily made from cellulose fibers (derived from wood pulp), but it also contains other components like water, fillers (like clay or calcium carbonate), and additives for strength, smoothness, or color.

* These substances are not chemically bonded: The cellulose fibers, fillers, and other additives are simply mixed together, not chemically combined.

* The components can be separated: You can separate the components of paper by physical means like dissolving the fillers in water or burning the paper to leave behind ash (the fillers).

Therefore, paper is a mixture, not a compound.