What is a compound?

A compound is defined as a substance that is formed when two or more different elements chemically combine in fixed proportions. This combination results in a new substance that has unique properties, distinct from those of the individual elements that make it up. For example, water is a compound made from the elements hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio.

While a compound is made up of two or more elements, it's important to note that the elements in a compound are bonded together through chemical bonds, which differ from a physical mixture where the individual components retain their properties. This is why describing a compound as composed of two or more separate elements accurately captures its essence and chemical nature.