Final answer:
Compounds are chemically bonded combinations of elements with unique properties and fixed ratios, whereas mixtures are physical blends of substances that retain their own properties and can be separated by physical means. Examples include water for a compound and sand and salt for a mixture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between compounds and mixtures lies in their composition, properties, bonding, and separation methods. Compounds, such as water (H2O), are substances that are chemically formed by two or more elements in definite proportions, and they cannot be separated into their individual elements by physical means. Each compound has a unique set of chemical and physical properties, and the bonding among the elements within a compound involves the exchange or sharing of electrons.
In contrast, mixtures are physical combinations of two or more substances that can be separated by physical means because they do not involve the chemical bonding among the substances' particles. The components in a mixture, like sand and salt, retain their own individual properties. Mixtures can be either homogeneous, where the composition is uniform and examples include sugar dissolved in water, or heterogeneous, where the composition varies, such as a mixture of oil and water.