How is an alloy defined?

An alloy is defined as a mixture of two or more elements, with at least one being a metal. This definition highlights the nature of alloys, which are not merely combinations of metals; they can also include non-metallic elements. This mixture often results in properties that are different from the individual components, which is the main reason alloys are developed. For instance, steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, exhibits greater strength and resistance to rust compared to pure iron.

In contrast, other definitions provided do not accurately capture the essence of an alloy. For example, stating that an alloy is exclusively a combination of two or more types of metals neglects the important role that non-metals can play in forming alloys. Similarly, defining an alloy as a chemical compound made exclusively of metals is misleading because alloys do not necessarily form compounds in the same sense that chemical compounds do; they maintain the individual properties of their constituents to varying degrees. Finally, describing an alloy as a single purified metal is incorrect, as it refers strictly to a metal in its purest form rather than a mixture involving multiple elements.