What defines an alloy?

An alloy is defined as a mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and other elements, which is created to enhance and combine the desirable properties of the constituent materials. This combination can lead to improvements in strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and other characteristics that are significant for various applications in engineering and manufacturing.

For example, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. The addition of carbon to iron significantly alters its properties, making it much stronger and more versatile than pure iron, which can be relatively soft and malleable.

This definition highlights the engineering principle of tailoring materials for specific uses, providing a foundation for understanding materials science and the development of advanced engineering applications.