Which of the following correctly differentiates mixtures and compounds?

Feature	Mixture	Compound
A) Separation	Can be separated by physical methods	Requires chemical me
B) Composition	Fixed ratio	Variable ratio
C) Properties	Always the same as constituents	Different from constit
D) Formation	By chemical reaction	By simple mixing

The Correct answer is Option A (Separation).

Key Points

• Mixtures can be separated by physical methods such as filtration, distillation, and magnetic separation.
• Compounds require chemical methods like electrolysis or chemical reactions to be separated into their constituent elements.
• In a mixture, the substances retain their individual properties and can be present in any proportion.
• In a compound, the elements are combined in a fixed ratio and the compound has properties different from its constituent elements.
• Mixtures are formed by simple mixing without any chemical bonding.
• Compounds are formed through chemical reactions where new bonds are created between the elements.

 Additional Information

• Separation
  • Physical methods include processes like filtration, distillation, and magnetic separation which do not alter the chemical nature of the components in a mixture.
  • Chemical methods involve processes that change the chemical structure of the compound, such as electrolysis or other chemical reactions to break bonds and separate elements.
• Composition
  • In a mixture, the components can be mixed in any ratio, making it variable.
  • In a compound, the elements are always present in a fixed ratio, which determines the compound's properties.
• Properties
  • A mixture retains the properties of its individual components. For example, a mixture of iron filings and sulfur retains the properties of both iron and sulfur.
  • A compound has properties different from its constituent elements. For example, water (H₂O) has different properties from hydrogen and oxygen.
• Formation
  • Mixtures are formed by the physical mixing of substances without any chemical bonding.
  • Compounds are formed through chemical reactions where new chemical bonds are created between the elements involved.