The metal which mainly occurs as oxide ore in nature is: — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

I need the options to identify which metal (option C) occurs mainly as oxide ore. However, I can explain the general principle: **Metals that occur mainly as oxide ores:** 1. **Highly reactive metals** (Groups 1-2): Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg — exist as oxides, carbonates, or silicates (too reactive to find native) 2. **Transition metals with strong O affinity**: Fe, Al, Cr, Mn — form stable oxides 3. **Common examples:** - **Iron (Fe)**: $Fe_2O_3$ (hematite), $Fe_3O_4$ (magnetite) - **Aluminum (Al)**: $Al_2O_3$ (bauxite) - **Chromium (Cr)**: $Cr_2O_3$ - **Manganese (Mn)**: $MnO_2$ **Why oxide ores are common:** - Oxygen is highly electronegative and abundant in Earth's crust - Metals with high oxygen affinity form very stable oxides that don't decompose easily - Native metals (like gold, silver, copper) are unreactive and don't oxidize **If option C is one of these metals** (Fe, Al, Cr, or Mn), then it's correct because these metals form thermodynamically stable oxides that are the primary natural sources. Could you provide the options so I can confirm which specific metal is option C?