Introduction to Elements, Mixtures and Compounds

Before we talk about the different types of chemical bonds, we will need to distinguish elements, compounds, and mixtures from one another.

A compound is formed when two or more different types of elements are chemically combined together.

Difference between element and compound

A mixture is formed by physically mixing two or more substances together. (No chemical reaction is involved)

• Element + element mixture

• Element + compound mixture

• Compound + compound mixture

Difference between mixture and compound

Recall that elements are divided into metal and non-metal. When two or more metals are mixed together, an alloy is formed. The common reason for mixing metals together is that their mixture is harder and stronger than their base metals.

The table below shows the difference between metal and non-metal.