Question

In what form do elements occur in nature?

Answer 1

Elements occur in nature in mainly two forms:

• Free state
• Combined state

Free state: When elements are found in a state in which they have not combined chemically with any other element is known as a free state.

• The elements which are very less reactive or nonreactive exist in free state.
• Examples: Gold $\left(\mathrm{Au}\right)$, Platinum $\left(\mathrm{Pt}\right)$ etc.

Combined state: When elements are found in a chemically combined form with other elements, it is known as a combined form.

• The elements which are reactive exist in combined state.
• Examples: Copper $\left(\mathrm{Cu}\right)$ exist as an oxide in the form of Copper oxide $\left(\mathrm{CuO}\right)$, Zinc $\left(\mathrm{Zn}\right)$ exists as a carbonate in the form of Zinc carbonate $\left({\mathrm{ZnCO}}_3\right)$