Metals occur in nature in the free as well as in the combined state. The less reactive metals are generally found in the free state. Most of the metals, however are found in the combined form as minerals. The minerals from which metals can be obtained on a commercial scale are called ores. In other words, the minerals from which metals can be extracted profitably are called ores. Thus, bauxite `(Al_(2)O_(3)*2H_(2)O)`and clay `(Al_(2)O_(3).2SiO_(2).2H_(2)O)` are minerals of aluminium. However, it is bauxite that is chiefly used to obtain aluminium commercially. So, bauxite, and not clay, is an ore of aluminium.
The most abundant metal on the earth's crust is

Options

A. copper
B. aluminium
C. iron
D. zinc.

Answer

To answer the question regarding the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Context
We know that metals can be found in two states: free (native) state and combined state. Less reactive metals are typically found in the free state, while more reactive metals are usually found in combined forms as minerals.

**Hint:** Think about the reactivity of metals and their occurrence in nature.

### Step 2: Identify Common Metals
From the information provided, we can recall that aluminum is mentioned as a significant metal in the Earth's crust. However, we need to identify the most abundant metal.

**Hint:** Consider the common metals that are known to be abundant in the Earth's crust.

### Step 3: Recall Abundance of Metals
It is known that aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, constituting about 8.1% of it. However, we need to identify the most abundant metal.

**Hint:** Look for the metal that has a higher percentage than aluminum in the Earth's crust.

### Step 4: Identify the Most Abundant Metal
The most abundant metal in the Earth's crust is actually iron (Fe), which constitutes about 5% of the Earth's crust, making it more abundant than aluminum.

**Hint:** Remember that while aluminum is significant, iron has a higher overall abundance in the crust.

### Final Answer
The most abundant metal in the Earth's crust is **iron (Fe)**.