Difference between mixtures and compounds

Difference Between Mixtures and Compounds

In general, There are physical and chemical components. Briefly, Mixtures and Compounds are two or more elements and substances that combine together forms chemically and physically.

Meaning of Mixtures:

A mixture is a material made up of two or more different substances which are not chemically combined. 

Example: 

  1. Dirt and water(mud)
  2. Sand, water and gravel (cement)
  3. Oxygen and water (seafoam)
Hand of child playing in muddy dirt and water Stock Photo - 9014925

Meaning of Compounds:

A compound pure substance that can be separated into two or more components only by means of a chemical reaction.

Examples:

  1. Salt – Nacl
  2. Water – H2O
  3. Ammonia – NH3
The Types of Salt Used to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Difference Between Mixtures and Compounds:

Mixtures Compounds
Meaning
Elements or compounds just mix together to form a mixture and no new compound is formed. Elements react to form new compounds.
Composition
A mixture is a variable composition. The composition of each new substance is always fixed.
Properties
A mixture shows the properties of the constituent substances. The new substance has totally different properties.
Constituents
The constituents can be separated fairly easily by physical methods. The constituents can be separated only by chemical or electrochemical reactions.
Characteristics
They don't show their own characteristics. They show their own characteristics.
Ratio
The ratio of mixture components can vary. Present in a fixed ratio.

Bottom line:

As a result of the preceding discussion, Mixtures are variable composition and Compounds are of each substance are always fixed. They have their own properties, characteristics, constituents, and ratio.

Further related readings:

Difference between Vaporization and Evaporation

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