What is an amalgam? State its use with an example.

Amalgam:

1. An amalgam is a mixture of mercury and another metal.
2. Depending on the percentage of mercury, it can be a liquid, a soft paste, or a solid.

Example:

1. Dental amalgam is a dental filling material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay.
2. Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper.