Question

Explain compound and mixture by taking an example of iron and sulphur.

Answer 1

A mixture is created when two or more than two different substances are physically combined and can be separated back into its original substances. A compound is a substance which results from a combination of two or more than two different chemical elements in such a way that the atoms of different elements are held together by chemical bonds which are difficult to break.

Complete answer:
A mixture is a combination of matter such that the components which are used in the formation of the mixture can be separated again whereas a compound is a result of the chemical reaction between components resulting in the formation of a new substance. Let us understand this by taking an example of iron and sulphur. The things that are required are iron filings, test tube, magnet, sulphur and burner. To create a mixture, take some iron filings and sulphur in powder form. Stir the two elements to create a mixture. Iron and sulphur can be separated with the help of magnets. To create a compound, place the mixture on the burner. As the mixture gets heated, it will start to glow. The iron filings and sulphur react to form the compound iron sulphide.

Note:
Remember that the chemical composition of compounds is always fixed. A mixture may have a variable composition of the substances forming the mixture. The properties of the compounds are unique and they need not reflect the properties of the constituent elements. The properties of a mixture are the sum of the properties of its constituents.