Question

which of these elements are you least likely to find in nature as a pure element (that is, not combined with any other elements in a compound)? use the periodic table to answer the question. gold (au) oxygen (o) argon (ar) sodium (na)

Explanation:

Gold is a noble metal and is often found in nature as a pure element. Argon is a noble gas with a full - outer electron shell, making it very stable and existing as a single - atom gas in nature. Oxygen is found in the atmosphere as $O_2$ and also in compounds like water and oxides, but it can exist as a pure element. Sodium is a highly reactive metal. It readily reacts with other substances, such as oxygen and water, to form compounds. So it is least likely to be found as a pure element in nature.

Answer:

sodium (Na)