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What is a compound in chemistry?

  1. A mixture of elements

  2. A pure substance made of multiple elements

  3. An element in a fixed proportion

  4. A substance with variable composition

The correct answer is: A pure substance made of multiple elements

A compound in chemistry is defined as a pure substance that is made up of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. This means that the composition of a compound is consistent and specific, which distinguishes it from a mixture that can have varying proportions of its components. When elements combine to form a compound, they do so through chemical bonds that create new properties that are different from those of the individual elements. For instance, water (H2O) is a compound formed from hydrogen and oxygen; it has distinct characteristics that are not found in either element in their natural state. This clarity in composition and the presence of a chemical bond are key elements of what defines a compound, emphasizing its status as a pure substance made of multiple elements, as opposed to mixtures, which consist of two or more substances that can be separated by physical means and may vary in composition.