What distinguishes a mixture from a compound?

A mixture is distinguished from a compound primarily by the way its components interact and can be separated. In a mixture, the individual substances retain their distinct properties and can be combined in varying proportions. This characteristic allows mixtures to be separated into their original components through physical methods such as filtering, distillation, or simply by using a magnet for magnetic materials.

In contrast, a compound consists of two or more elements that are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio, resulting in a substance with unique properties that are different from those of the individual elements. Chemical changes typically occur during the formation of a compound, which also means that separation requires chemical reactions, not just physical changes.

This distinction is essential in understanding how materials are categorized in chemistry and is foundational for further study in topics such as solutions, reactions, and material properties.