Question

Metal always found in free state is

• A. gold
• B. silver
• C. copper
• D. sodium

Answer 1

The correct option is A

gold

The explanation for correct option A:

• Arrangement of the metals on the basis of their reactivity towards other elements is termed as activity series. Elements at the top of this series are comparatively more reactive than elements below in the series.
• The reactivity series is:
• $\mathrm{K}>\mathrm{Na}>\mathrm{Li}>\mathrm{Ba}>\mathrm{Sr}>\mathrm{Ca}>\mathrm{Mg}>\mathrm{Al}>\mathrm{Mn}>\mathrm{Zn}>\mathrm{Cr}>\mathrm{Fe}>\mathrm{Cd}>\mathrm{Co}>\mathrm{Ni}>\mathrm{Sn}>\mathrm{Pb}>\mathrm{H}>\mathrm{Sb}>\mathrm{Bi}>\mathrm{Cu}>\mathrm{Hg}>\mathrm{Ag}>\mathrm{Au}>\mathrm{Pt}$
• Elements present at the bottom of the activity series are present in free state in nature while elements present above in the series can be present in free state or combined state.
• Among the given elements, Gold (Au) is the last second metal of the activity series and therefore, it always exists in free form in nature.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

(B)

• Since Silver (Ag) is present above Gold in the reactivity series, it is comparatively more reactive than Gold. Therefore, Silver can be present in a free state or a combined state.

(C)

• Since Copper (Cu) is present above Gold in the reactivity series, it is comparatively more reactive than Gold. Therefore, Copper can be present in a free state or a combined state.

(D)

• Since Sodium (Na) is present above Gold in the reactivity series, it is comparatively more reactive than Gold. Therefore, Sodium can be present in a free state or a combined state.

Final Answer: Hence, option A is correct. Gold is always found in the free state.