Question

Which of the following metals exist in Free State?
A. Gold
B. Platinum
C. Mercury
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: In order to answer this question, you need to recall what a native metal is. Let me help you in brief, a native metal is any metal that is found pure in its metallic form in nature.

Complete step by step answer:
Generally, it is hard to find a metal in a pure state as almost most of them are found in the form of alloys, ores and other compounds. But still there are few metals which exist in their native state. Metals that can be found as native deposits or alloys generally include aluminum, cobalt, titanium, tungsten, arsenic, bismuth etc.

As we know, only few metals like gold, silver, copper and platinum metals occur in nature in large amounts. Technically these metals are found in pure state because they are non-reactive in nature. They are highly inert to any type of weather conditions, air conditions, surroundings etc.

Therefore, as gold, platinum and mercury are native metals which mean they are non-reactive in nature so they exist in free state. Hence, option D is the required answer.

Note: Generally, as we know metals are very reactive and unstable in nature and they react with other elements to form compounds to attain stability. Due to which they do not occur in the free State.