Multiple choice

Which of the following occur in their pure state?

  1. copper

  2. iorn

  3. zinc

  4. gold

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Gold is one of the few metals that occurs naturally in its pure (native) metallic state. This is because gold is relatively unreactive and doesn't easily combine with other elements. Copper, iron, and zinc are usually found as ores (compounds) and require smelting to extract the pure metal.