What is an alloy?

An alloy is defined as a mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and another element. This combination results in a material that often exhibits enhanced properties compared to the individual components. For instance, by mixing metals like copper and tin, you can create bronze, which has greater strength and resistance to corrosion than either metal on its own. Alloys are used in a wide array of applications, from construction to manufacturing, because they can be engineered to achieve desired characteristics such as improved durability, lighter weight, and better conductivity.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the definition of an alloy. A type of single metal refers to a pure element, lacking the properties that come with a mixture. A non-metal chemical compound does not involve metals at all, and thus does not fit the definition of an alloy. Similarly, a blend of organic materials pertains to substances derived from living organisms, which is unrelated to metals or metal mixtures.