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How is a mixture different from a chemical reaction?

A mixture is made up of a number of compounds. For example, trail mix is a mixture and can contain raisins, dry fruits, grains, seeds, chocolate chips, pretzels, among other possible ingredients. The components of a mixture still retain their individual properties. For example, we can pick any component of trail mix and taste it. We can also separate the individual constituents of a mixture by physical means.


In comparison, a chemical reaction is one in which two or more species react and form new compounds. The compounds thus formed have a different chemical composition as compared to that of the reactants. The products have different properties than the reactants and cannot be reverted back to reactants as easily as a mixture can be separated into individual constituents. An example of a chemical reaction is the photosynthesis process, in which carbon dioxide and water react, in the presence of sunlight, to form glucose and oxygen.


Hope this helps. 

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