What distinguishes a compound from a mixture?

The defining characteristic of a compound is that it is formed through a chemical combination of two or more elements that results in a substance with unique properties distinct from those of its constituent elements. This chemical bond creates a stable structure that cannot be separated into its individual elements by physical means, such as filtration or evaporation, which could be used for mixtures.

In contrast, mixtures are physical combinations of two or more substances where each component retains its own chemical properties and can be separated by physical methods. Therefore, the clarity that a compound is solely defined by its chemical bonds and inability to be separated by physical means is what distinguishes it from mixtures.

This understanding is essential because it forms the basis for how compounds and mixtures behave in reactions and processes, influencing everything from chemical reactions to the formation of materials in various fields.