Many metal ores are oxides because oxygen is a very reactive element and is abundant on Earth. The metal ores form as a result of the reaction between metals and oxygen present in the Earth’s crust.

Metals in the middle of the activity series, like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), etc., are moderately reactive and are found in the earth’s crust mainly as oxides, sulphides, or carbonates.

Metals at the top of the activity series, such as potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and aluminum (Al), are so reactive that they are never found in nature as free elements.

Metals found at the bottom of the activity series, such as gold, silver, platinum, and copper, are least reactive and are often found in the free state in nature.

The bonding in ionic compounds is characterized by the transfer of electrons from a metal atom (cation) to a non-metal atom (anion), resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces of ...