Define the term Compound.

A compound is a substance composed of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. These elements combine through chemical bonds, such as ionic or covalent bonds, to form a new substance with its own unique properties.

Explanation:
Chemical Bonding: In a compound, elements are joined together by chemical bonds. For example, in water (H₂O), hydrogen and oxygen are bonded covalently.

Fixed Ratio: The elements in a compound are always present in a specific ratio. For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), the ratio of sodium to chlorine is always 1:1.

Unique Properties: The properties of a compound are different from those of the individual elements that make it up. For instance, sodium (a highly reactive metal) and chlorine (a toxic gas) combine to form table salt, which is safe to consume and has very different properties from the individual elements.

Compounds can be either organic or inorganic and can have a wide range of physical and chemical properties depending on the elements involved and the type of bonds they form.