A mixture differs from a chemical compound in the following respects.

 

• The constituents may be separated by suitable physical and mechanical means.

 

• Most mixtures may be made in all proportions; in the case of solutions which may be regarded as molecular mixtures, there are often limits of solubility.

 

• No heat effect (except in the case of solutions) is produced on formation; the formation of chemical compounds is invariably accompanied by the evolution or absorption of energy in the form of heat.

 

• The properties of a mixture are an aggregate of the properties of the constituents, whereas a compound has individual properties, often quite unlike those of the component elements.