The metal always found in the free state is

Options

A. Iron
B. Gold
C. Aluminium
D. Sodium

Answer

To solve the question "The metal always found in the free state is," we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Concept of Free State Metals**:
- Metals can exist in two forms: combined with other elements (in compounds) or in their pure form (free state).
- Metals that are less reactive tend to be found in their free state because they do not readily react with other elements to form compounds.

2. **Identify Reactive vs. Less Reactive Metals**:
- Reactive metals, such as sodium, potassium, and aluminum, are typically found in compound forms due to their high reactivity.
- Less reactive metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum, are more likely to be found in their elemental form.

3. **Consider Common Metals Found in Free State**:
- Among the metals, gold (Au) is known for its low reactivity and is often found in nature in its free state.
- Other metals like silver (Ag) and platinum (Pt) can also be found in their free state, but gold is the most commonly recognized.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above reasoning, the metal that is always found in the free state is **gold**.

### Final Answer:
The metal always found in the free state is **gold**.

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