Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Which of the following metals is found in a free state in the earth's crust?
Aluminium
Sodium
Zinc
Gold
Gold
Metals that are very low in the reactivity series do not react easily with air, water, or other substances, and therefore exist in a free or native state in the earth's crust. Among the given options, Gold (Au) is a noble metal with extremely low reactivity, allowing it to be found as a pure, uncombined element in nature.
Metals that are very low in the reactivity series do not react easily with air, water, or other substances, and therefore exist in a free or native state in the earth's crust. Among the given options, Gold (Au) is a noble metal with extremely low reactivity, allowing it to be found as a pure, uncombined element in nature.
Think of Gold as an introvert who prefers to stay alone, whereas Sodium is like an extrovert that immediately bonds with everything it meets (like Chlorine in salt).
Gold is 'Noble' and stays alone.
AuтЖТAu++eтИТ
Reactivity┬аSeries:┬аK>Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > H > Cu > Ag > Au
The reactivity series of metals ranks elements based on their tendency to lose electrons. Metals like Sodium and Aluminium are highly reactive (found as ores like NaCl or Al2тАЛO3тАЛ), while Gold is located at the bottom of the series. Because Gold has a high positive reduction potential, it resists oxidation, maintaining its metallic state even when exposed to environmental conditions for millions of years.
Native metals are found in the elemental form because they do not form compounds easily.
Gold, Silver, and Platinum are considered noble metals due to their resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
Highly reactive metals like Sodium and Aluminium are always found in combined states (oxides, halides, carbonates).
Used in jewelry and decorative arts due to its natural luster and resistance to tarnish.
Used as a reliable electrical conductor in specialized high-precision components.
Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust, but it is always found as an ore (e.g., Bauxite).
Sodium is so reactive that it is stored in kerosene to prevent reaction with moisture in the air.
Option D is the only correct answer; options A, B, and C are found in combined states.
D is correct тАФ Gold is a noble metal with extremely low reactivity, allowing it to occur naturally in a free metallic state.
Always remember the hierarchy of the reactivity series: 'Please Stop Calling Me A Careless Zebra Instead Try Learning How Copper Saves Gold'. This helps instantly identify which metals are found free.