What is the definition of an alloy?

An alloy is defined as a mixture of two or more metals, which are combined to create a material with enhanced properties compared to the individual metals. This can include improved strength, corrosion resistance, or other desired characteristics. The process of combining metals can lead to the formation of new materials that exhibit unique physical and mechanical properties, making alloys incredibly valuable in various applications, such as construction, manufacturing, and electronics.

For instance, steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon, is known for its superior strength compared to pure iron, allowing it to be used in a wide range of structural and architectural applications. The interaction of the different metals in an alloy results in a material that can be tailored for specific uses, optimizing performance in ways that pure metals alone cannot achieve. Understanding the composition and properties of different alloys is fundamental in fields such as materials science and engineering.