Metal which found in free state is:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (1):

Gold (Au) is known as a noble metal due to its very low reactivity. This means it does not readily combine with other elements like oxygen, water, or acids, and therefore, it is often found in its elemental or free state in nature. Its unreactive nature stems from its electronic configuration and high ionization energy, which make it difficult for gold to lose electrons and form compounds. This property has made gold highly valued for millennia, not only for its beauty but also for its resistance to corrosion and tarnish. You can find gold as nuggets, flakes, or veins in various geological formations, existing as pure metal.

The incorrect option is (2): Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal and is highly reactive. It readily reacts with air, water, and many other substances, forming compounds. Due to its high reactivity, sodium is never found in the free state in nature; it always exists in compounds, such as sodium chloride (common salt).

The incorrect option is (3): Magnesium (Mg) is an alkaline earth metal and is also quite reactive. While not as reactive as sodium, it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide and with acids, releasing hydrogen gas. Therefore, magnesium is primarily found in its combined state in minerals like magnesite and dolomite.

The incorrect option is (4): Aluminum (Al) is a reactive metal that readily forms a protective layer of aluminum oxide when exposed to air. This oxide layer prevents further corrosion, but aluminum itself is highly reactive and has a strong affinity for oxygen. Consequently, aluminum is never found in the free metallic state in nature and is always extracted from its compounds, such as bauxite ore.