Question

Which of the following characteristics can be used to describe how mixtures are different from compounds?

A. Mixtures are chemically combined and compounds are not.
B. Mixtures can be physically separated, and compounds cannot.
C. Mixtures are composed of one type of particle, and compounds are not.
D. Mixtures are not chemically combined, and compounds are.
E. Mixtures are homogeneous, and compounds are not.
F. Mixtures are a combination of two or more substances, and compounds are not.

Answer 1

Mixtures can be physically separated, whereas compounds cannot.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mixtures can be physically separated, but compounds cannot. Mixtures are physical blends of two or more components, each of which retains its own identity and properties. On the other hand, compounds are chemically combined substances where the atoms of the constituent elements are bonded together.

For example, if we consider table salt, which is a compound made up of sodium and chlorine, it cannot be physically separated back into its original elements. However, if we mix salt and ground pepper, which is a mixture, we can separate them using techniques like filtration or tweezers.

Therefore, the correct characteristic to describe how mixtures are different from compounds is B. Mixtures can be physically separated, and compounds cannot.