Question

Can the relative amounts of the components of a mixture vary? Can the relative amounts of the components of a compound vary? Explain.

Short answer

In a mixture, the relative amounts of different components may vary while in a compound it cannot vary.

Step-by-step solution

Mixture

Mixtures are made by mixing two different components physically, so the relative amount of a mixture may vary.

That means in a mixture the amount of different components is not fixed.

Compound

Compounds are formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements in specific ratios. As these are formed by reacting in a fixed ratio so the relative amount of the components cannot vary in a compound. Like when 2 atoms of Hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen will combine, it will form water. If the ratio differs from 2:1 it won’t be the same compound as water.