Question

Name three transition metals that are found "free" in nature.

Short answer

Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), and Copper (Cu).

Step-by-step solution

Understand 'Free in Nature'

"Free in nature" means that the metals are found in a pure form, not combined with other elements in compounds. This is relatively rare for most metals due to their reactive nature.

Identify Characteristics of Transition Metals

Transition metals are characterized by their ability to form variable oxidation states and to form complexes. They are typically located in the d-block of the periodic table.

Consider Transition Metals Known to Occur Pure

Analyze which transition metals are chemically unreactive enough to be found in their elemental form. Typically, these are metals like gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and sometimes copper (Cu), which resist corrosion and oxidation.

List Examples

Based on the analysis, the transition metals that are most commonly found free in nature are Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), and Copper (Cu).

Key concepts

Free in Nature

The term "free in nature" refers to the unique property of some elements being found in their pure, uncombined state. Most metals tend to bond with other elements, forming compounds due to their reactive nature. However, certain transition metals are an exception, existing naturally in their elemental form. These include gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and, occasionally, copper (Cu). These metals are chemically stable and do not easily combine with other elements, which is why they can be found as pure substances in nature. The rarity of finding metals free in nature speaks to their exceptional stability and resistance to natural chemical reactions.

Oxidation States

Transition metals are remarkable for their ability to exist in various oxidation states. This means they can lose different numbers of electrons, allowing them to form a wide variety of compounds. This property arises due to the presence of d-electrons, which can participate in bond formation. For example, copper can exist in the +1 or +2 oxidation states, while iron can be found in +2 or +3 states, commonly. Such variability in oxidation states enables these metals to act as catalysts in chemical reactions, facilitating processes by providing different pathways for reactants. The complexity and versatility offered by the multiple oxidation states make transition metals indispensable in both nature and technology.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance is a key attribute of some transition metals, making them valuable for various applications. Corrosion is a chemical process where metals degrade due to reactions with their environment, usually involving oxygen and moisture. Transition metals like gold and platinum exhibit remarkable resistance to corrosion. This is because they are noble metals, which means they are less reactive and do not readily participate in oxidation-reduction reactions. This property allows them to retain their luster and integrity over long periods, making them ideal for use in jewelry, electronics, and various industrial applications. Their corrosion resistance also explains their ability to be found free in nature.