Which term refers to a substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond?

The term that refers to a substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond is "compound." Compounds are distinct substances that consist of two or more different elements that are bonded together in a fixed ratio through chemical bonds. This bonding can occur in various forms, such as ionic bonds, covalent bonds, or metallic bonds.

In contrast, a mixture consists of two or more substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded. The individual components of a mixture retain their own properties and can often be separated by physical means. A solution is a specific type of mixture where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another substance (the solvent), resulting in a homogeneous mixture at the molecular level, rather than a compound formed through chemical bonding. An element, on the other hand, is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means and represents a single type of atom, such as hydrogen or oxygen.

Understanding these definitions clarifies the distinction between compounds and other forms of matter, emphasizing the unique nature of compounds formed through chemical bonding.