What are the differences between mixtures adn compounds?

Mixtures are heterogeneous forms of matter: Mixtures are composed of variable proportions of molecules and atoms. The composition of a mixture is variable. Each of its components retains its characteristic properties. Its components are easily separated. Compounds are homogeneous forms of matter: Their constituent elements (atoms and/or ions) are always present in fixed proportions The relative proportions of the elements in a compound are fixed. The components of a compound do not retain their individual properties. Both sodium and chlorine are poisonous; their compound, table salt - NaCl - is absolutely essential to life. It takes large inputs of energy to separate the components of a compound.  more