15 Must Read Difference Between Compound and Mixture

Table of Contents

What is the difference between compound and mixture?

All physical objects are made of matter which occupies space and has weight. These objects are classified as elements, compounds, and mixtures.

The lesson provides a detailed insight into the difference between compound and mixture in tabular form. Take time to read through for easier revision.

What Is A Compound?

A compound is when two or more atoms from different elements combined chemically to form a bond. The resulting compound tends to have different properties from the atoms.

Some of the common bonds that help to bind atoms of different elements together are molecular, atomic, covalent, acids, cation, anions and binary bonds.

Examples of compounds are water (H2O), ethanol (C2H5OH), sodium chloride (NaCl), and potassium chloride (KCL) among many others.

What Is A Mixture?

A mixture is when two or more substances are mixed together in a ratio such that no chemical reaction is likely to take place.

Each component in a mixture tends to retain its properties. The combination of mixtures can easily be separated through certain physical means such as decantation and distillation.

A mixture can either be homogeneous or heterogeneous. A homogenous mixture is the one where a true solution is formed such sugar and water while the heterogeneous mixture is the one where components are not evenly distributed like kerosene and water.

A mixture can also be grouped as solutions, suspensions, and colloids. This classification helps to define the appropriate method of separation.

Comparison Chart: Compound Vs Mixture

Basic Terms	Compound	Mixture
Meaning	Is where two or more atoms of different elements combined in a chemical reaction	Is where two or more substances are physically combined with chemical reactions occurring.
Types	Covalent compounds, metallic compounds, and ionic compounds	Homogenous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures.
Substance Category	Pure substance	Impure substance
Composition Details	Fixed chemical composition	Variable composition
Nature	Homogeneous	Either homogeneous or heterogeneous
Separation of components	Chemical or electrochemical method	Physical methods such as decantation, filtration and distillation
Properties	Tend to be peculiar since each component loses its original properties	Each constituent does not lose its original properties
New Substance	Chemical combination results in a new substance	No new substance is formed during physical combination
Melting and Boiling Points	Tend to have defined melting and boiling points of the compound	Do not have a defined melting and boiling points.
Example	Sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sulphuric acid	A mixture of water and oil, sand and water
Heat change	There are heat change and energy used or release	No heat change or energy used or released
Mass ratio	The ratio of the component tends to be specific	The ratio is normally variable depending on the constituents.
Representation	Using a chemical formula	Not represented with a chemical formula
Bond	Chemically bonded	No chemical bond involved
Energy Transfer	Energy is released during chemical bond formation	No energy is used or released when forming the mixture

Core Between Compound and Mixture

Compounds occur when components are chemically bonded whereas components in the mixture are not bonded.

Separation of compounds can be done through electrolysis while mixtures can be done by use of physical means.

The ratio of components in compounds is fixed while the ratio of components in mixtures is variable.

Compounds can either be atomic, molecular, or ironic while mixtures are either homogeneous or heterogeneous.

A compound can be created through a chemical reaction while a mixture through mechanical means.

Components in a compound do not retain their properties while in the mixture they do retain their properties.

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Comparison Video

Summary

The core difference between compounds and mixtures listed in the guide is not only crucial for examples but also competitive exam preparation.

Learners are required to check more examples of compounds and mixtures for a deeper understanding of the topic.

More Sources and References

Compound and Mixture. Teacher Engineering
Mixture. Wikipedia

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