What is the term for a homogeneous mixture formed from two or more substances?

A homogeneous mixture formed from two or more substances is referred to as a solution. In a solution, the substances that make up the mixture are uniformly distributed at the molecular level, meaning that the composition remains consistent throughout. This characteristic distinguishes solutions from heterogeneous mixtures, where the components can be visibly separated and are not uniformly distributed.

Solutions typically involve a solvent, which is the substance that dissolves another substance, known as the solute. This interaction leads to a clear and stable mixture where the solute particles are so small that they do not scatter light, making solutions appear transparent. Examples of solutions include saltwater and sugar dissolved in water.

Other terms like compound and element refer to different concepts in chemistry. A compound is formed when two or more elements chemically combine in fixed proportions, while an element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. An alloy, on the other hand, is a mixture of two or more metals or a metal with non-metals, typically created to enhance specific properties such as strength or corrosion resistance. However, not all mixtures of metals are homogeneous at the molecular level, which differentiates alloys from solutions.