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Metals are elements that can easily lose electrons; nonmetals easily gain electrons. The reasons for this are complicated, but if you assume that this is true, you can see why metals do some of the things they do.
Metals easily lose electrons to nonmetals. Because an electron carries negative electric charge, that means the metal has lost negative charge (i.e. gained positive charge) and the nonmetal has gained negative charge (i.e. lost positive charge).
Opposite charges attract, so the metal and nonmetal atoms are now attracted to each other. The force of attraction between them keeps them close together, forming a compound.
But that compound isn't a metal or a nonmetal; it's something new. An example of such a compound is NaCl, table salt.
If you have a chunk of metal, for example iron, it isn't a compound because a compound, by definition, is two different elements bonded together, like NaCl above. Your chunk of iron is made up of only iron atoms. It's a pure element.
When iron is mined out of the earth, it's rarely found in pure element form because of iron's tendency to lose electrons and form compounds. You get Fe2O3 or some other iron oxide that has to be chemically processed to turn it into pure iron. Just like NaCl isn't chlorine, Fe2O3 isn't iron, it's iron ore.
What else can I help you with?
Which metals occurs in a free state?
Only a few metals are found in the free state, generally metals react to form for example oxides, sulfides which then may further react. Some found free are gold silver copper and platinum. All of these are relatively unreactive
What are the two most common alkaline earth metals?
The two most common alkaline earth metals are calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). They are found abundantly in the Earth's crust and play important roles in biological processes and industrial applications.
Why are elements rarely found as pure substances?
The Group 1 elements, the alkali metals, are so reactive that they have to be stored in oil; they will react explosively with water and since water is so prevalent in nature and the alkali metals are so unstable, you'd be very hard-pressed to find a naturally occurring sample. I urge you to go on youtube and look up reactions of Group 1 metals reacting with water. It's quite amusing.
Which metal would most likely be found combined?
the majority of metals are found combined with other elements in nature. Only a few are found uncombined- the best known example is gold.
Why are most metals found in nature as ores?
Earth has a strongly oxidizing atmosphere. Combine that with water which can contain acids and other solutes and it becomes difficult for a metal to remain in its elemental state for long periods of time. A mass of metal may be buried for millions if not billions of years.
Does alkali metals occur freely in nature?
Alkali metals such as sodium and potassium are found in nature in various compounds, but they are not typically found in their pure form. They are highly reactive and readily react with other elements to form compounds.
Why do most metals exist in earth's crust as compounds and not in the form of elements?
Most metals exist in Earth's crust as compounds because they are highly reactive and tend to combine with other elements to form stable compounds. These compounds are more stable and less likely to oxidize compared to pure metals. As a result, metals are found in nature as ores, which are mineral compounds containing the metal along with other elements.
Is tantalum found in a pure state?
Tantalum doesn't exist in pure state in nature.
How do most elements in nature exist?
Most elements in nature exist in the form of compounds, where they are chemically bonded to other elements. In their pure form, elements can exist as solids, liquids, or gases depending on their properties and conditions. Elements in nature can also form minerals, rocks, and organic compounds through various natural processes.
Which metals are so reactive that they are never found as uncombined elements in nature?
The most reactive metals, such as alkali metals (like lithium, sodium, and potassium) and alkaline earth metals (like magnesium and calcium), are never found as uncombined elements in nature. Due to their high reactivity, they readily react with water, air, or other substances, forming compounds rather than existing in their elemental form. Consequently, they are typically found in mineral ores or combined with other elements.
Why are metals like aluminum never found in the Earth as pure metals?
Aluminium is a reactive metal and in nature only the most unreactive metals (such as gold) are found in thir pure form.
What are the most two alkaline earth metals are?
Magnesium and calcium are the two most common alkaline earth metals.Magnesium and calcium, both in nature as compounds.
Which groups of metals are most reactive therefore never being found free in nature?
Group 1 and group 2 metals
Which metals are not found in ores?
There are a lot more than five. For example, all the alkali and alkaline earth metals are not found naturally in pure form but occur only in compounds. It's actually unusual for a metal to exist in pure form in nature; most of them occur only in compounds.
Which metals occurs in a free state?
Only a few metals are found in the free state, generally metals react to form for example oxides, sulfides which then may further react. Some found free are gold silver copper and platinum. All of these are relatively unreactive
Why do most metals exist in nature as minerals instead of as pure metallic elements?
Most metals exist in nature as minerals because they readily react with other elements to form compounds. These compounds are more stable and abundant, making them more common in the Earth's crust. Pure metallic elements are rare because they require specific conditions to form and are usually found in concentrated deposits.
What are the two most common alkaline earth metals?
The two most common alkaline earth metals are calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). They are found abundantly in the Earth's crust and play important roles in biological processes and industrial applications.
