What is an alloy?

An alloy is defined as a blend of different metals, and this property allows for the combination of desirable characteristics from the constituent metals. The process of creating an alloy often involves melting the different metals together and then allowing them to solidify, which results in a new material that exhibits improved strength, corrosion resistance, or other advantageous properties compared to its individual components.

For example, bronze is an alloy made primarily of copper and tin, which enhances the strength and durability compared to pure copper alone. This versatility is what makes alloys widely used in various applications, such as construction, manufacturing, and even jewelry. The ability to tailor the properties of an alloy through variations in its composition is a significant advantage in material science and engineering.