Question map
Which among the following methods is used to separate the constituents present in a compound?
Explanation
A compound consists of two or more elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio. Unlike mixtures, which can be separated by physical methods like fractional distillation or filtration based on physical properties, the constituents of a compound are tightly bonded and cannot be separated by physical means [2]. Separating the elements within a compound requires a chemical change to break these bonds [1]. Electrochemical methods, such as electrolysis, involve passing an electric current through a substance to induce a chemical reaction, effectively decomposing the compound into its constituent elements [1]. While heating can sometimes cause thermal decomposition, the electrochemical method is a primary and distinct chemical technique used for this purpose. Physical methods like fractional distillation only separate components of a mixture that are not chemically bonded.
Sources
- [2] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 8: Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures > Snapshots > p. 130
- [1] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 8: Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures > 8.3.2 Compounds > p. 124