Which metals are mostly found in free state and why?

A metal is said to be in its free state when it naturally occurs in an uncombined form, rather than in compounds or ores. The metals that are commonly found in a free state include gold, silver, platinum, and copper.

For a metal to be found in its free state, it typically means that it is chemically unreactive and does not form compounds with other elements easily. This is usually due to their low reactivity and strong resistance to oxidation and corrosion.

The following reasons help explain why these metals are mostly found in a free state: 1. Stability: Gold, silver, platinum, and copper are relatively stable elements with low reactivity. This means they don't react easily with other elements to form compounds and are therefore commonly found in their pure, elemental form. 2. Resistance to corrosion and oxidation: These metals have strong resistance to corrosion and oxidation, which means they don't readily react with oxygen or other substances in the environment. This resistance helps maintain their elemental form. 3. Rarity: Gold, silver, and platinum are considered precious metals and are rarer in the Earth's crust than other metals. Their rarity and limited availability make it more likely for them to be found in their pure form rather than being part of a more complex compound or ore.

In conclusion, the metals that are mostly found in a free state are gold, silver, platinum, and copper. This is because they have low reactivity, strong resistance to oxidation and corrosion, and are relatively rare in the Earth's crust. These properties allow them to maintain their pure, elemental state and not form compounds or ores with other elements.