| Mixtures | Compounds |
| A mixture can be separated into its constituents by physical processes (filtration, evaporation, sublimation, distillation) | A compound cannot be separated into its constituents by physical processes. It can be separated by chemical means |
| A mixture shows the properties of its constituents | A compound has a new set of properties different from its constituents |
| Composition of a mixture varies and the constituents are present in any proportion by weight. It does not have a definite formula | The composition of a compound is fixed and the constituents are present in fixed proportions by weight. It has a definite formula |
| The constituents do not react chemically, thus no energy changes take place | Chemical reactions take place and energy changes in the form of heat and light are involved |
| A mixture does not have a fixed melting point and boiling point Examples: air, sand and salt | A compound has a fixed melting point and boiling point Examples: H2O (water), FeS (iron sulphide) |
