What term describes a combination of two or more metals?

• A. Alloy
• B. Compound
• C. Mixture
• D. Element

Answer: (A)

Two or more metals combined into a single material form an alloy. This process creates a substance with properties that differ from its constituent metals, often improving strength, hardness, or durability. Common examples are steel (iron plus carbon and other elements), bronze (copper plus tin), and brass (copper plus zinc).

This differs from a compound, which is a chemical combination of elements in fixed proportions to make a new substance with its own properties, not necessarily involving metals. It also differs from a mixture, which is just a physical blend of substances that can be separated without forming a new substance. An element is a pure substance consisting of only one type of atom.