Gold and the platinum group metals are found in nature in metallic form because

a. they are solids at room temperature

b. they are highly reactive

c. they are soluble in water

d. they are relatively inert

e. they are relatively abundant

I got this corrosion qustion given to me for chemistry, I think it's D. because they are relatively inert. Am I right?

Thankyou for your help!!

You're right: It's D.

Other elements are not found free in nature because they DO react with water, oxygen, etc. in the environment.

The "noble'" metals (including gold and platinum) are very nonreactive - more than just "relatively" nonreactive, IMHO.

The only metals that are found in "native" (essentially pure, elemental form) in nature are the relatively nonreactive ones.

Gold and platinum are attacked only by a very few specific reagents, and do not corrode in the ordinary environment.

d. They relatively inert and do not react even with air or water. Are insoluble also