What Are The Differences Between Mixtures And Compounds?

The constituents of a mixture can be separated by physical processes.
Constituent elements of a compound can be separated through chemical reaction.

The physical properties of mixtures (color, density etc) are similar to those of the constituents.
The physical properties of compounds are unique from the constituent elements.

The chemical properties of mixtures are the result of the substances they are made of.
The chemical properties of compounds are different from those of its constituent elements.

Normally no energy (heat, light, etc) is taken in or given off when a mixture is formed
Energy is usually given off or absorbed when a compound is formed.

A mixture's composition can vary.
In a compound the constituent elements are present in a fixed proportion by mass.

A liquid mixture is called a solution. For example, brine is a solution of salt and water. A mixture of solids is called an alloy. Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc. Air is a mixture of gases. It is made of mainly nitrogen and oxygen gases with small amounts of argon, helium, carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Pure water on the other hand is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen, combined in a fixed proportion. Table salt is another example of a compound made from one part sodium and one part chloride.

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