Why is alloy considered as a mixture?

Alloy is considered a mixture because it is composed of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, combined in a way that retains their individual properties. In a mixture, the components are physically combined, but they do not chemically react with each other to form new substances. Instead, they maintain their distinct identities.

Alloys are typically formed by melting metals together and allowing them to mix thoroughly, resulting in a homogeneous mixture. Common examples of alloys include brass (copper and zinc), bronze (copper and tin), and steel (iron and carbon). Each metal in an alloy contributes its unique properties, such as strength, hardness, ductility, or resistance to corrosion, to the overall material.

This is different from a chemical compound, where elements chemically combine to form new substances with unique properties. In a compound, the atoms of different elements are bonded together in a specific ratio, resulting in a distinct chemical composition and characteristic properties.

In summary, alloys are classified as mixtures because they are combinations of different elements, with each component retaining its individual characteristics and properties within the final material.