Final answer:
Organic compounds contain carbon and are typically associated with living organisms, studied within organic chemistry, while inorganic compounds do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, are associated with non-living matter, and studied within inorganic chemistry. Both types follow natural laws and may share some properties, though they are traditionally categorized by their composition and association with living or non-living sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Compounds
The primary difference between organic and inorganic compounds is rooted in the presence of carbon. Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds, and encompasses a vast majority of chemical compounds known today. In contrast, inorganic chemistry focuses on compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, which include most of the other elements in the periodic table. Despite this distinction, both organic and inorganic compounds follow the same natural laws, and sometimes they share similar chemical and physical properties, making it difficult to distinguish them clearly. However, by tradition and utility in classification, organic compounds are generally associated with living organisms or products derived from living organisms, like organic fertilizers and organic foods, which are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Inorganic compounds include salts, metals, and minerals, which are often extracted from the earth or synthesized through non-biological processes.