Last Updated: 21 March 2026Verified for JEE 2026
ChemistryJEE & NEET
Difference Between Mixture and Compound
Mixtures and compounds are fundamentally different. Mixtures are physical combinations of substances, while compounds are chemical combinations with fixed ratios and new properties.
Mixture vs Compound — Comparison Table
| Aspect | Mixture | Compound |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Variable proportions | Fixed proportions (by mass) |
| Separation | Physical methods (filtration, distillation) | Chemical reactions only |
| Properties | Retain individual properties | New properties emerge |
| Energy | No energy change on mixing | Energy released or absorbed on formation |
| Formula | No chemical formula | Has a definite chemical formula |
| Example | Air, salt water, alloys | H₂O, NaCl, CO₂ |
Key Points to Remember
Mixtures can be homogeneous (solutions) or heterogeneous (suspensions)
Compounds follow the Law of Definite Proportions
Alloys are homogeneous mixtures of metals
Solutions are homogeneous mixtures with uniform composition
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