Question

Identify the metal that occurs in the native state in nature.
a.) Potassium
b.) Copper
c.) Aluminium
d.) Zinc

Answer 1

Hint: Try to recall that any metal that is found in its metallic form, either pure or as an alloy, in nature and these metals resists natural weathering process like oxidation which is way only less reactive metals are found as native in nature. Now by using this you can easily find the correct option for the given question.

Complete step by step answer:
It is already known to you that native metals are those metals which can resist natural weathering processes like oxidation etc. which is why generally only the less reactive metals are found as native metals.
Now, you can easily answer this question by inspecting which element undergoes oxidation in each of the given options:
In option A, it is known to you that potassium is a very reactive metal and it reacts violently with atmospheric oxygen. So, option A is not the correct option to the given question.
In option B, it is known to you that copper is very less reactive metal and reacts with oxygen only on strong heating and also, copper is found in free metallic state in nature. So, option B is the correct option.
In option C, it is known to you that aluminium reacts with atmospheric oxygen and form a thin film of aluminium oxide on the surface of metal. So, option C is also not correct.
In option D, it is known to you that zinc quickly reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form zinc oxide. So, option D is also incorrect.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: It should be remembered to you that other metals like gold, silver and platinum are also native metals and they are present in nature in large amounts.
Also, you should remember that native elements generally have no tendency to undergo chemical weathering processes like oxidation, reaction with water etc.