Which of the following is NOT an example of a formulation?

Formulations are specific mixtures designed to have particular properties and functions, often combining different substances in precise amounts. An important characteristic of formulations is that they are not pure substances; they are engineered to achieve certain desired characteristics in applications like industrial use, agriculture, or healthcare.

Pure water, unlike the other options, is a single substance made up solely of H2O molecules, without any deliberate mixture of different components. This means it does not fit the definition of a formulation, which involves multiple ingredients mixed to create a product with unique properties.

On the other hand, alloys, fuels, and fertilizers are examples of formulations. Alloys are mixtures of metals that improve strength or resistance to corrosion; fuels are composed of hydrocarbons or other substances specifically mixed for efficient energy release; and fertilizers contain nutrients variably combined to optimize plant growth. Each of these formulations must contain specific ratios of their components to achieve their intended performance effectively.