Before we talk about the different types of chemical bonds, we will need to distinguish elements, compounds and mixtures from one another.
Compound is formed when two or more different types of elements are chemically combined together.
Difference between element and compound
| Element | Compound |
|---|---|
| Simplest form of matter | Consists of two or more different types of elements chemically combined together |
| 1 type of atom | 2 or more types of atoms |
| Cannot be decomposed into simpler substance by chemical means | Can be decomposed into simpler substance by chemical means |
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
| Compound | Mixture |
|---|---|
| Constituents present in fixed proportions | Constituents present in various proportions |
| Formed by chemical reaction | Not formed by chemical reaction |
| Have properties different from properties of constituents | Have properties same as properties of constituents |
| Constituents are separated by chemical means | Constituents are separated by physical means |
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.
| Metal | Non-metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Shiny | Dull |
| Melting point/Boiling point | High | Low |
| Densities | High | Low |
| Malleable | Yes | No |
| Conductivity | Good conductor of heat and electricity | Bad conductor of heat and electricity |
