Question

Identify the noble metal:

• A. Silver
• B. Lead
• C. Zinc
• D. Platinum

Hint:

Noble metals like \textbf{Platinum} and \textbf{Gold} resist corrosion and oxidation — they are stable, chemically inert, and often used in high-end industrial and decorative applications.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Noble Metals
Noble metals are metals that resist oxidation and corrosion in moist air, unlike most base metals. They are chemically inert and are often found in their pure or metallic form in nature. These metals are typically used in jewelry, electronics, and catalysis due to their stability and resistance to tarnish. Step 2: List of Common Noble Metals
The noble metals include: Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), Rhodium (Rh), Ruthenium (Ru), Osmium (Os), and Iridium (Ir). While silver is relatively resistant to corrosion, it tarnishes upon exposure to air and is not always classified as a noble metal in the strictest sense. Step 3: Evaluating the Options
- (A) Silver: Semi-noble metal; tarnishes due to reaction with sulfur in the air.
- (B) Lead: Base metal; not inert, corrodes over time.
- (C) Zinc: Highly reactive; used as a sacrificial anode, not a noble metal.
- (D) Platinum: Correct; highly inert, does not oxidize easily, true noble metal. Conclusion: Among the given options, only Platinum meets the criteria of a true noble metal.