Free element

In chemistry, a free element is a chemical element that is not combined with or chemically bonded to other elements.^[1][2] These may either be chemically inert, or may form bonds with atoms of the same element.

Metals, non-metals, and noble gases can all be found as free elements. Noble gases such as helium and argon are found in the monoatomic state due to the low reactivity of these atoms. Similarly, noble metals such as gold and platinum are also found in the pure state naturally. Non-metals are rarely found as free elements in the solid state — carbon is a notable exception, as it may be found as diamond and graphite.^[3] However, they commonly exist as gases, examples of which include molecular oxygen, ozone, and nitrogen, which together make up approximately 99% of the atmosphere. Because of their reactivity, the halogens do not naturally occur in the free elemental state, but they are both widespread and abundant in the form of their halide ions. They are, however, stable in their diatomic forms.

See also

• Native metal
• Noble metal
• Native element mineral

References

1. Hendry, Robin Findlay (June 1, 2006). "Substantial confusion". Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A. 37 (2): 322–336. doi:10.1016/j.shpsa.2006.03.002. ISSN 0039-3681.
2. Ramberg, Peter J. (October 1, 2021). "Eric Scerri and Elena Ghibaudi, eds: What is an element? A collection of essays by chemists, philosophers, historians, and educators". Foundations of Chemistry. 23 (3): 465–473. doi:10.1007/s10698-021-09406-7. ISSN 1572-8463.
3. A. Earnshaw and Norman Greenwood. Chemistry of the Elements (Second Edition) ISBN 978-0-7506-3365-9. Mentions "free element" 30 times, for example, "Oxygen is the most abundant element on the earth's surface. It occurs both as a free element and in combination with innumerable compounds." and "Carbon occurs both as a free element and in combined form."