What defines an alloy?

An alloy is defined as a mixture of two or more metals, and sometimes includes non-metal elements as well. This combination creates a material with properties that can be different from those of the individual metals. For example, by mixing copper and tin, we create bronze, which has improved strength and resistance to corrosion compared to its constituent metals. The ability to tailor an alloy's properties makes them highly valuable in various applications across industries, including construction, manufacturing, and electronics.

Pure elements, unstable materials, and natural substances do not fall within the definition of an alloy. Pure elements contain only one type of atom and do not involve mixture with other elements. Unstable materials refer to substances that are likely to change state or form under certain conditions, rather than being specifically related to the mixture of metals. Natural substances typically refer to materials that occur in nature without human intervention, whereas alloys are typically engineered mixtures designed to possess specific characteristics. Hence, the correct definition of an alloy aligns with the concept of a mixture of two or more metals.