Question

The metal most likely to be found in its native state is?

1) aluminum
2) copper
3) iron
4) sodium

Answer 1

Copper is the metal that is most likely to be found in its native state because of its relatively low reactivity compared to other metals like sodium or aluminum.

The correct answer is 2).

Step-by-step explanation:

The metal most likely to be found in its native state is copper. Unlike aluminum, iron, and sodium—which generally exist in compounds due to their reactivity—copper can be found in its uncombined form as native copper. This has historical significance as it was one of the first metals to be used by humans because it could be found in nature and did not require extraction from ores.

Copper's transition metal properties and relatively low reactivity compared to sodium (which reacts violently with water) or aluminum (which is commonly found in bauxite form and not in its native state) contribute to its occurrence in the native state. Therefore, the answer to the question is (2) copper.