Which of these metals will be present in their ores in their free state and not in the form of compounds?

Options

A. Aluminum
B. Copper
C. Silver
D. Iron

Answer

To determine which metal is present in its free state in ores, we need to analyze the given metals and their common forms in nature.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Concept of Ores**: Ores are naturally occurring solid materials from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted. Most metals are found in ores in combined forms, such as oxides, sulfides, or carbonates.

2. **Identify the Metals**: The metals we need to analyze are aluminum, copper, iron, and silver.

3. **Analyze Each Metal**:
- **Aluminum**: Aluminum is typically found in nature in the form of aluminum oxide (bauxite) and not in its free state.
- **Copper**: Copper is commonly found in ores as copper sulfide (chalcopyrite) and also in oxide forms, but not in its free state.
- **Iron**: Iron is found in ores as iron oxide (hematite) and iron sulfide (pyrite), and it is not found in its free state.
- **Silver**: Silver can be found in its free state as native silver, which means it is not combined with other elements in ores.

4. **Conclusion**: Among the metals listed, only silver is commonly found in its free state in nature, while the others are found in combined forms.

5. **Final Answer**: The metal that will be present in its ores in its free state and not in the form of compounds is **silver**.