What is a combination or compound of metals fused together called?

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

Answer: (A)

Combining metals to create a material with properties not present in the original metals is called an alloy. An alloy is formed by fusing two or more elements—usually metals—in molten form and then letting the mixture solidify, resulting in a material with enhanced strength, hardness, or other desirable traits. Examples include steel (iron plus carbon), brass (copper plus zinc), and bronze (copper plus tin). This concept is distinct from a compound (chemically bonded in fixed ratios), a mixture (physical combination with no bonding), or a solution (a homogeneous liquid where one substance dissolves in another).