an alloy is a solid solution. An alloy is a partial or complete solid solution of one or more elements in a me tallic matrix.

Complete solid solution alloys give single solid phase micro stru cture, while partial solutions give two or more phases that may be homogeneous i n distribution depending on thermal (heat treatment) history. Alloys usually hav e different properties from those of the component elements. A solid solution occurs when we alloy two metals and they are completely soluble in each other. If a solid solution alloy is viewed under a microscope only one type of crystal can be seen just like a pure metal. Solid solution alloys have s imilar properties to pure metals but with greater strength but are not as good a s electrical conductors. Solid solutions have important commercial and industrial applications, as such m ixtures often have superior properties to pure materials. Many metal alloys are solid solutions. Even small amounts of solute can affect the electrical and phys ical properties of the solvent. In practice, some alloys are used so predominantly with respect to their base me tals that the name of the primary constituent is also used as the name of the al loy. For example, 14 karat gold is an alloy of gold with other elements. Similar ly, the silver used in jewelry and the aluminium used as a structural building m aterial are also alloys. The term "alloy" is sometime used in everyday speech as a synonym for a particul ar alloy. For example, automobile wheels made of aluminium alloy are commonly re ferred to as simply "alloy wheels". The usage is obviously indefinite, since ste els and most other metals in practical use are also alloys. Go through the source links for many details regarding alloys and solid solution . Source(s): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_solut http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alloy http://www.ul.ie/~walshem/fyp/Solid%20so