Detailed Summary
A compound is defined as a substance that consists of two or more elements that are chemically combined in fixed proportions. This process leads to new properties that are entirely distinct from those of the individual elements. To demonstrate this concept, students conduct an experiment using iron filings and sulfur powder. One group merely mixes the two without heat, creating a physical mixture, while another group applies heat to form iron sulfide, a new compound.
The experiment emphasizes key differences: the physical mixture retains the individual properties of its components, such as magnetism, whereas the compound does not. Furthermore, the section delineates between pure substances—elements and compounds—and mixtures, underscoring that compounds can only be separated chemically, while mixtures can be separated physically. Understanding these distinctions lays the foundation for comprehending the behaviors, properties, and interactions of different types of matter.