Why are most metals found in the earth as compounds?

1 Answer
anor277
Nov 14, 2016

Because metals are good reducing agents.

Explanation:

Metals are electron rich species, and as such are good reducing agents. Many metals naturally occur as oxides or sulfide ores.

One of the few metals that are not so reactive is gold, which can be found (still) as the pure metal. And thus the gold rushes on 2 continents a couple of centuries ago.

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