solid solution

A solid solution is a type of mixture in which one element or compound is uniformly dissolved within another, forming a single, solid material. Think of it like salt dissolved in water, but in a metallic or crystalline context, where atoms of one metal, for example, are embedded within the crystal structure of another metal without forming separate phases. This results in an alloy or a homogeneous material with combined properties. Solid solutions are essential in materials science because they can enhance strength, corrosion resistance, and other mechanical properties of metals and alloys.