What defines an alloy?

An alloy is defined as a mixture of two or more elements, with at least one of those elements being a metal. Alloys are created to enhance the properties of metals, such as strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. For example, steel is an alloy made primarily of iron and carbon, combining the toughness of iron with added strength from carbon. This ability to tailor properties makes alloys valuable in a wide range of applications, from construction to technology.

The other options describe different types of substances that do not fit the definition of an alloy. A pure substance refers to a single element without any mixture, while a compound involves a specific chemical bonding between elements, forming a distinct substance with its own properties. A solution, particularly one with a high concentration of solute, does not represent an alloy as it pertains more to a homogeneous mixture in a liquid state, rather than a solid mixture of metallic elements.