Which term describes a chemical that is a mixture of elements or compounds?

The term that accurately describes a chemical that is a mixture of elements or compounds is "solution." A solution refers specifically to a homogeneous mixture formed when one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent), creating a consistent composition throughout. This term encompasses mixtures of liquid, gases, and solids.

A pure substance, in contrast, consists of a single element or compound with uniform properties throughout. It does not include mixtures. The term "chemical" is quite broad and typically refers to a substance with a defined composition but does not specifically indicate whether it is a mixture or a pure substance. An emulsion is a specific type of mixture that involves the dispersion of liquid droplets in another liquid where they are not normally miscible, often used in contexts like food science, but does not apply to all types of mixtures.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "solution" is the precise term for a mixture of elements or compounds in this context.