Question

_______ and ________ occur in both free and combined states.

• A. Metals
• B. Non-metals

Answer 1

• Metals are generally hard solid substances that have a shiny luster and are good conductors of electricity.
• For example - Sodium$\left(\mathrm{Na}\right)$, Silver$\left(\mathrm{Ag}\right)$, etc.
• While non-metals are generally soft, brittle, and bad conductors of electricity.
• For example - Hydrogen$\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$, Oxygen$\left(\mathrm{O}\right)$, etc.
• Both metals and non-metals exist in both free and combined states.
• Metals like Gold$\left(\mathrm{Au}\right)$, Silver$\left(\mathrm{Ag}\right)$ exists in a free state while Sodium $\left(\mathrm{Na}\right)$, Calcium$\left(\mathrm{Ca}\right)$ exists in the combined state in the form of a compound.
• Non-metals like Carbon$\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$, Oxygen$\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ exists in a free state and in a combined state as well like Carbon in the form of ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$, etc.

Hence, metals and non-metals occur in both free and combined states.