What term is used for a combination of different substances that retain their individual properties?

A combination of different substances that retain their individual properties is known as a mixture. In a mixture, the components can be physically separated and each substance maintains its own characteristic properties. This means that the components can be present in different ratios and can vary in distribution throughout the mixture.

For example, when sand is mixed with salt, both the sand and salt retain their original properties. They can be separated from each other through physical means, such as filtration or evaporation. This is a key aspect that differentiates mixtures from other types of combinations, such as compounds, where the substances chemically bond to form a new substance with different properties.

In contrast, a solution is a specific type of mixture where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent), resulting in a homogeneous mixture. However, in a solution, the individual properties of the solute may not be easily observed as they are in a mixture. A compound consists of two or more elements that are chemically bonded together, forming a substance with properties distinct from the individual elements. Elements are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.