Question

Why some metals occurs as free element in nature, while other occur in combined form?

Answer 1

Answer:

It is not reacted upon by moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide of the air. Thus, those metals which remain unaffected by moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide of the air can occur native or free. In other words, the unreactive metals occur in nature in free state because of their low reactivity towards chemical reagents.

Answer 2

Metals may occur as a free element in nature, while others occur in a combined form because of the following reasons:-

• Metals may occur as free elements in nature, while others occur in combined form depending on the reactivity of the metals.
• Metal is found in the free state when it does not react with the environment, has low reactivity in the reactivity series, and remains the same. For example Gold and Silver.
• These metals don't change their composition when exposed to air and show no reaction with the reaction of oxygen and water.
• However, most of the metals are found in the combined state in nature as they react with the environment.
• These metals have high reactivity in the reactivity series and show combination with other elements. For example, Hydrogen, Sodium, Calcium, etc.
• These metals react with the environment when present in the free state and change their composition.
• They form oxides with the reaction of oxygen, carbonates with the reaction of carbon, and sulfates with the reaction of sulfur.

Hence, Some metals may occur as a free elements in nature, while others occur in a combined form.

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