What term describes a combination of two or more substances in which each retains its individual properties?

The concept of a mixture refers to a system that consists of two or more substances that are combined but do not chemically bond. Each substance within a mixture maintains its own individual properties, which means that they can be separated by physical means and still retain their original characteristics. This is applicable across various contexts, such as in the culinary arts where different ingredients combine but maintain their flavors, or in cosmetic formulations where active ingredients coexist without altering their individual functionalities.

In contrast, a compound is a substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond, resulting in a new material with distinct properties. An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. An alloy, on the other hand, is a specific type of mixture composed of two or more metals, which may change their properties through the process of mixing but still do not form a chemical bond in the way that a compound does. Therefore, the definition of a mixture perfectly encapsulates the nature of substances that retain their individual properties while being physically combined.