Compound vs. Solution — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
A compound is a substance formed from two or more chemical elements bonded together in a fixed ratio, while a solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances where one substance is dissolved in another.
Difference Between Compound and Solution
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Compounds are chemically pure substances that are created through a chemical reaction that bonds elements in a specific proportion, resulting in a substance with properties different from its constituent elements. Solutions, on the other hand, are mixtures where the solute is uniformly distributed within the solvent, maintaining the individual properties of the substances involved.
The formation of a compound involves a chemical change where new bonds are formed and energy is released or absorbed, leading to entirely new properties. Solutions involve a physical change, primarily the dispersal of solute molecules among solvent molecules without any change in chemical bonds.
Compounds have a definite composition; for example, water (H2O) always contains hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio. Solutions can have variable compositions, such as salt in water, where the ratio of solute to solvent can vary widely without changing the chemical identity of the dissolved species.
In terms of classification, compounds are classified based on the elements present and the types of bonds that hold them together, such as ionic, covalent, or metallic. Solutions are classified based on the phase of the solvent and solute, such as gaseous, liquid, or solid solutions.
The properties of compounds are uniform throughout and cannot be separated into their components by physical means. Solutions' properties depend on the concentration of solute and can be separated by physical processes such as evaporation or filtration.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Fixed ratio of elements
Variable ratio of solute in solvent
Type of Change
Chemical change (new bonds)
Physical change (mixing)
Properties
Distinct from constituent elements
Retains properties of components
Classification
By bonding type
By state of solute and solvent
Separation Method
Chemical methods required
Physical methods possible
Compare with Definitions
Compound
A substance with a chemical formula.
Water, H2O, is a compound formed from hydrogen and oxygen.
Solution
Does not change the chemical properties of components.
Salt and water retain their individual properties in a saltwater solution.
Compound
Fixed composition.
Carbon dioxide always contains carbon and oxygen in a 1:2 ratio.
Solution
Examples include alloys and air.
Air is a solution of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and other components.
Compound
Results from a chemical reaction.
Salt, NaCl, results from reacting sodium with chlorine.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture.
Saltwater is a solution of salt dissolved in water.
Compound
Cannot be separated by physical means.
You cannot separate iron from sulfur in iron sulfide by filtering or distillation.
Solution
Can have variable concentrations.
Seawater varies in salt concentration around the world.
Compound
Exhibits unique properties.
The properties of sodium chloride are distinct from both sodium and chlorine.
Solution
Can be separated by physical means.
Salt can be retrieved from saltwater through evaporation.
Compound
To combine so as to form a whole; mix
Tin was often compounded with lead to make pewter.
Solution
A method or process of dealing with a problem
Sought a solution to falling enrollments.
Compound
To produce or create by combining two or more ingredients or parts; compose or make up
Pharmacists compounding prescriptions.
Solution
The answer to a problem or the explanation for something
The solution to the mystery.
Compound
To settle (a debt, for example) by agreeing on an amount less than the claim; adjust.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids, liquids, gases, or a combination of these.
Compound
To compute (interest) on the principal and accrued interest.
Solution
The process of forming such a mixture.
Compound
To add to or intensify so as to make worse
"The university authorities ... compounded their crime in dismissing [the professor] by denying that their action ... reflected any abridgment of academic freedom" (John Kenneth Galbraith).
Solution
The state of being dissolved
Nitrogen that is in solution in the ocean.
Compound
To make worse by being an additional or intensifying factor
High winds compounded the difficulties of the firefighters.
Solution
(Archaic) The act of separating or breaking up; dissolution.
Compound
To combine in or form a compound.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture, which may be liquid, gas or solid, formed by dissolving one or more substances.
Compound
To come to terms; agree.
Solution
An act, plan or other means, used or proposed, to solve a problem.
Compound
Consisting of two or more substances, ingredients, elements, or parts.
Solution
An answer to a problem.
Compound
(Botany) Composed of more than one part
A compound pistil.
Solution
(marketing) A product, service or suite thereof, especially software.
Compound
A combination of two or more elements or parts.
Solution
Satisfaction of a claim or debt.
Compound
(Linguistics) A word that consists either of two or more elements that are independent words, such as loudspeaker, self-portrait, or high school, or of specially modified combining forms of words, such as Greek philosophia, from philo-, "loving," and sophia, "wisdom."
Solution
The act of dissolving, especially of a solid by a fluid; dissolution.
Compound
(Chemistry) A pure, macroscopically homogeneous substance consisting of atoms or ions of two or more different elements in definite proportions that cannot be separated by physical means. A compound usually has properties unlike those of its constituent elements.
Solution
The crisis of a disease.
Compound
A building or buildings, especially a residence or group of residences, set off and enclosed by a barrier.
Solution
To treat with a solution.
Compound
An enclosed area used for confining prisoners of war.
Solution
The act of separating the parts of any body, or the condition of undergoing a separation of parts; disruption; breach.
In all bodies there is an appetite of union and evitation of solution of continuity.
Compound
An enclosure within which workers, prisoners, or soldiers are confined.
Solution
The act of solving, or the state of being solved; the disentanglement of any intricate problem or difficult question; explanation; clearing up; - used especially in mathematics, either of the process of solving an equation or problem, or the result of the process.
Compound
An enclosure for secure storage.
Solution
The state of being dissolved or disintegrated; resolution; disintegration.
It is unquestionably an enterprise of more promise to assail the nations in their hour of faintness and solution, than at a time when magnificent and seductive systems of worship were at their height of energy and splendor.
Compound
A group of buildings situated close together, e.g. for a school or block of offices.
Solution
The act or process by which a body (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) is absorbed into a liquid, and, remaining or becoming fluid, is diffused throughout the solvent; also, the product resulting from such absorption.
Compound
Anything made by combining several things.
Solution
Release; deliverance; discharge.
Compound
(chemistry) A substance formed by chemical bonding of two or more elements in definite proportions by weight.
Solution
The termination of a disease; resolution.
Compound
A substance made from any combination of ingredients.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution;
He used a solution of peroxide and water
Compound
(linguistics) A lexeme that consists of more than one stem.
Solution
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Compound
(linguistics) A lexeme that consists of more than one stem or an affix, e.g. bookshop, high school or non-standard.
Solution
A method for solving a problem;
The easy solution is to look it up in the handbook
Compound
(rail) A compound locomotive, a steam locomotive with both high-pressure and low-pressure cylinders.
Solution
The set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
Compound
Composed of elements; not simple.
A compound word
Solution
The successful action of solving a problem;
The solution took three hours
Compound
(math) Dealing with numbers of various denominations of quantity, or with processes more complex than the simple process.
Compound addition
Compound proportion
Compound
(music) An octave higher than originally (i.e. a compound major second is equivalent to a major ninth).
Compound
(transitive) To form (a resulting mixture) by combining different elements, ingredients, or parts; to mingle with something else.
To compound a medicine
Compound
To settle by agreeing on less than the claim, or on different terms than those stipulated.
To compound a debt
Compound
(transitive) To settle amicably; to adjust by agreement.
Compound
(intransitive) To come to terms of agreement; to settle by a compromise.
To compound with someone / for something
Compound
To compose; to constitute.
Compound
To increase in value with interest, where the interest is earned on both the principal sum and prior earned interest.
Compound
To worsen a situation.
Compound
Of a horse: to fail to maintain speed.
Compound
In the East Indies, an inclosure containing a house, outbuildings, etc.
Compound
That which is compounded or formed by the union or mixture of elements ingredients, or parts; a combination of simples; a compound word; the result of composition.
Rare compound of oddity, frolic, and fun.
When the word "bishopric" was first made, it was made as a compound.
Compound
A union of two or more ingredients in definite proportions by weight, so combined as to form a distinct substance; as, water is a compound of oxygen and hydrogen.
Compound
To form or make by combining different elements, ingredients, or parts; as, to compound a medicine.
Incapacitating him from successfully compounding a tale of this sort.
Compound
To put together, as elements, ingredients, or parts, in order to form a whole; to combine, mix, or unite.
We have the power of altering and compounding those images into all the varieties of picture.
Compound
To modify or change by combination with some other thing or part; to mingle with something else.
Only compound me with forgotten dust.
Compound
To compose; to constitute.
His pomp and all what state compounds.
Compound
To settle amicably; to adjust by agreement; to compromise; to discharge from obligation upon terms different from those which were stipulated; as, to compound a debt.
I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife.
Compound
To effect a composition; to come to terms of agreement; to agree; to settle by a compromise; - usually followed by with before the person participating, and for before the thing compounded or the consideration.
Here's a fellow will help you to-morrow; . . . compound with him by the year.
They were at last glad to compound for his bare commitment to the Tower.
Cornwall compounded to furnish ten oxen after Michaelmas for thirty pounds.
Compound for sins they are inclined toBy damning those they have no mind to.
Compound
Composed of two or more elements, ingredients, parts; produced by the union of several ingredients, parts, or things; composite; as, a compound word.
Compound substances are made up of two or more simple substances.
Compound
(chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight
Compound
A whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts
Compound
An enclosure of residences and other building (especially in the Orient)
Compound
Make more intense, stronger, or more marked;
The efforts were intensified
Her rudeness intensified his dislike for her
Potsmokers claim it heightens their awareness
This event only deepened my convictions
Compound
Put or add together;
Combine resources
Compound
Calculate principal and interest
Compound
Create by mixing or combining
Compound
Combine so as to form a whole; mix;
Compound the ingredients
Compound
Of leaf shapes; of leaves composed of several similar parts or lobes
Compound
Consisting of two or more substances or ingredients or elements or parts;
Soap is a compound substance
Housetop is a compound word
A blackberry is a compound fruit
Compound
Composed of many distinct individuals united to form a whole or colony;
Coral is a colonial organism
Common Curiosities
What is an example of a solution?
An example of a solution is air, where various gases are mixed but retain their individual properties.
Is seawater a compound or a solution?
Seawater is a solution because it consists of salt dissolved in water, and its composition can vary.
What is a compound?
A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond in a fixed ratio.
How does a solution differ from a compound?
Solutions are mixtures with variable composition where no new chemical bonds are formed, unlike compounds.
What defines the composition of a compound?
The composition of a compound is defined by a precise ratio and type of elements chemically bonded.
Can the components of a compound be separated physically?
No, compounds require chemical reactions to break down into simpler substances.
How can solutions be classified?
Solutions can be classified based on the physical states of their solvent and solute, such as liquid solutions or gaseous solutions.
What are the key differences in the properties of compounds and solutions?
Compounds have properties entirely different from their components, whereas solutions maintain the properties of the substances mixed.
Why can solutions vary in concentration?
Solutions can vary in concentration because the amount of solute dissolved in the solvent can be changed without altering the chemical properties of the substances involved.
What techniques are used to separate solutions?
Techniques such as distillation, crystallization, and chromatography are used to separate the components of solutions.
What role do compounds and solutions play in daily life?
Compounds and solutions are fundamental in various applications, from cooking and cleaning to industrial and medical uses.
What happens during the formation of a compound?
During the formation of a compound, elements react chemically, forming new bonds and releasing or absorbing energy.
How are the boiling points of compounds and solutions different?
The boiling point of a compound is a fixed property, while the boiling point of a solution can vary depending on the solute concentration.
Why is understanding compounds and solutions important in chemistry?
Understanding these concepts is essential for predicting how substances interact in natural and industrial processes.
Can a solution become a compound?
A solution cannot become a compound without undergoing a chemical reaction that changes the bonding of its components.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
