Which of the following metals occurs in its native free state in the Earth's crust due to its extremely low chemical reactivity?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Gold is a noble metal situated at the bottom of the electrochemical reactivity series, possessing a very high positive standard reduction potential that prevents it from reacting with atmospheric oxygen, moisture, or common acids. Because of this chemical inertness, gold is frequently found in its native uncombined metallic state in alluvial deposits. Reactive metals like sodium and aluminum occur exclusively combined as stable ores such as halides and oxides. Extraction of reactive metals requires electrolytic reduction methods.