Question

Reactive metals are found mainly in the upper layer of the earth in the form of ______.
1. Oxides
2. Nitrates
3. Halides
4. Nitrites

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Oxides

Explanation -

• Metals like aluminium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium are very reactive metals. 
• They are highly reactive, hence they show a high affinity towards oxygen. 
• When they combine with oxygen, they tend to form more stable compounds.
• Thus, these reactive metals are not found in pure forms inside the upper layer of the earth.
• Instead, they are found in the form of their oxides to form stable compounds. 
• Only very few metals like gold and platinum, which are the least reactive metals are found in their pure form. 

So, Reactive metals are found mainly in the upper layer of the earth in the form of oxides. 

• Ore is a form of natural rock or sediment that contains one or more valuable minerals, usually metals, and can be extracted, processed, or refined.
• From ores, hence, minerals are extracted and used commercially. 
• some important metals and their ores are - 

Name of metal	Name of ore	Chemical formula
Sodium	Chile saltpetre	NaNO3
Potassium	Nitre	KNO3
Copper	Cuprite	Cu2O
Aluminium	Bauxite	Al2O3. 2 H2O
Magnesium	Dolomite	MgCO3.CaCO3