Final answer:
A compound can be separated into its elements or simpler compounds through a chemical change, which involves breaking chemical bonds and forming new substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
A compound can be separated into its elements or simpler compounds only through a chemical change. Unlike mixtures, compounds such as table salt (sodium chloride) cannot be separated into their individual elements by physical means like filtering or distillation. Instead, a chemical process is required, such as heating or electrolysis, which causes a chemical reaction that breaks the chemical bonds within the compound, resulting in different substances with new properties.
For example, when sugar is heated, it undergoes a chemical change decomposing into carbon and water. Similarly, passing an electrical current through water causes it to decompose into hydrogen and oxygen gases, showing another form of chemical change. It's important to distinguish that during a physical change, the composition of the substance remains unchanged, such as melting or dissolving.