What is it called when two or more types of matter are blended together, but not chemically altered?

The process of blending two or more types of matter together without chemically altering them is known as a mixture. In a mixture, each component retains its own properties and can usually be separated by physical means. This distinguishes it from a solution or a compound.

In a solution, one substance is dissolved in another, which may not always allow for easy separation of components, as seen in saltwater, where salt dissolves in water. A compound, on the other hand, forms when two or more elements chemically bond, resulting in new properties that differ from those of the individual elements. An element represents a pure substance made of only one type of atom and cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

Thus, the term "mixture" accurately describes a combination of substances that maintain their individual characteristics without undergoing a chemical transformation.