What does a mixture consist of?

A mixture consists of different elements or compounds, which makes choice C the correct answer. In chemistry, a mixture is defined as a combination of two or more substances where each retains its own properties. This can include various combinations of elements and compounds, such as air, which is a mixture of gases, or a salad, which contains various ingredients that maintain their individual characteristics.

A mixture differs from a pure substance, which can be an element or a single chemical compound. In a mixture, the components can be easily separated through physical means, unlike a single chemical compound, where the properties are entirely different from those of the individual elements that make it up.

Understanding mixtures is fundamental in chemistry as they are prevalent in both natural and manufactured forms, affecting processes in industries, laboratories, and everyday life.