What do compounds and mixtures have in common?

Compounds and mixtures share the characteristic of containing two or more substances combined together. In a compound, the substances are chemically bonded in a fixed ratio, forming a new substance with its own properties distinct from those of the individual components. In a mixture, these substances retain their individual properties and can be combined in varying ratios, allowing for a wider range of physical appearances and behaviors.

This ability to have multiple components is what connects compounds and mixtures, despite their fundamental differences in how those components are combined and behave. The other options are specific to unique aspects of either compounds or mixtures rather than a shared trait. For example, compounds do require chemical bonds, while mixtures do not, as they involve physical combinations. Additionally, while both can consist of multiple elements, not all mixtures are made of different elements, as some can be made of the same element or different forms of matter. The key takeaway is that both compounds and mixtures involve the combination of substances, highlighting their commonality.