What is an alloy?

Options

A. Homogeneous mixture of 2 or more metals
B. Heterogeneous mixture of 2 or more metals.
C. Homogeneous mixture of 2 or more non- metals.
D. Heterogeneous mixture of 2 or more non- metals.

Answer

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

1. **Definition of Alloy**: An alloy is defined as a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals. This means that the metals are mixed together in such a way that they form a single phase with uniform properties throughout.

2. **Homogeneous Mixture**: In a homogeneous mixture, the composition is uniform, meaning that any sample taken from the mixture will have the same ratio of components as any other sample. This is a key characteristic of alloys.

3. **Examples of Alloys**: A common example of an alloy is brass, which is made from a mixture of copper and zinc. In brass, the properties of both metals combine to create a material that is different from either of the individual metals.

4. **Distinction from Heterogeneous Mixtures**: It is important to note that alloys are not heterogeneous mixtures. A heterogeneous mixture has a non-uniform composition, meaning that different samples can have different ratios of components. This is not the case with alloys.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, an alloy is specifically a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals, which can be confirmed by the example of brass, and it is distinct from heterogeneous mixtures.