Final answer:
A compound is classified as a pure substance, which is different from an element or a mixture. Compounds consist of two or more different elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio, and unlike mixtures, they have a uniform composition and distinct chemical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
If something is a compound, it is also a pure substance. A compound is a type of pure substance that is composed of two or more different elements in a fixed ratio, held together by chemical bonds. It is distinct from an element, which is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Furthermore, compounds are not mixtures, because mixtures can be made up of different substances that are not chemically bonded and can vary in proportion.
An example of a compound is water (₂O), which consists of hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio. Other examples include table sugar (sucrose) and sodium chloride (table salt). In contrast to compounds, mixtures can be either homogenous or heterogeneous. A salad dressing (a heterogeneous mixture) and white wine (a homogeneous mixture) are examples where the composition is not fixed, and the substances can be separated into their components.
It is crucial to understand the differences between elements, compounds, and mixtures to accurately classify and describe substances.