What are alloys? Name an important alloy which contains some of the lanthanoid metals . Mention its uses.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Alloys:**
- An alloy is defined as a solid solution or a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one of the elements is a metal. Alloys are created to enhance certain properties, such as strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion.

2. **Properties of Alloys:**
- Alloys typically exhibit different physical and chemical properties compared to their constituent elements. This is due to the interactions between the different elements in the alloy, which can lead to enhanced characteristics.

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