What do we call a combination of two or more substances that are mixed together but not chemically combined?

A combination of two or more substances that are mixed together but not chemically combined is defined as a mixture. In a mixture, the individual components retain their own properties and can usually be separated by physical means, such as filtration or evaporation. For instance, when you mix sand and salt together, you still have sand and salt; they haven't changed into something new.

In contrast, a solution refers specifically to a homogeneous mixture where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent), resulting in a consistent composition throughout. A compound, on the other hand, is made up of two or more elements that are chemically bonded together, resulting in a substance with properties distinct from the original elements. An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances and consists of only one type of atom. Given these definitions, it is clear that a mixture is the correct term for a combination of substances that maintain their individual characteristics.