Final answer:
A compound can only be separated into its components by chemical means, whereas a mixture can be separated by physical means.
Step-by-step explanation:
One difference between a mixture and a compound is that a compound can only be separated into its components by chemical means. Compounds are substances composed of two or more types of atoms that are chemically combined in fixed ratios and have distinct physical and chemical properties from the elements they are made of. In contrast, mixtures are physical blends of two or more components where each component retains its own identity and properties and can be separated by physical means. An example would be sodium chloride, which is formed by chemically combining sodium and chlorine, versus a mixture of salt and pepper, which can be separated using tweezers.