Most of the elements in environment do not have 8
electrons in their valance shells(because of which they are more or less reactive and unstable ) so they react with the atoms of other metals to form molecules or ion to achieve noble gas configuration and become stable. The atoms of only a few elements like helium , Neon ..etc have their valance shells already filled with 8 electrons.so they can exist in free state. But matter mostly exist in the form of molecules and ions.

Atoms in Nature

Introduction:
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter and are the smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element. In nature, atoms can exist in various forms such as molecules, ions, and in the free state.

Atoms in the form of Molecules:
Molecules are formed when two or more atoms combine chemically. For example, oxygen molecules are formed when two oxygen atoms combine chemically. Similarly, water molecules are formed when two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom chemically. Molecules are the most common form in which atoms exist in nature.

Atoms in the form of Ions:
Ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons and have a net electric charge. Ions are formed when an atom becomes electrically charged by gaining or losing one or more electrons. For example, sodium ions are formed when a sodium atom loses an electron, and chlorine ions are formed when a chlorine atom gains an electron. Therefore, atoms can exist in the form of ions in nature.

Atoms in the free state:
In rare cases, atoms may exist in the free state, which means they are not combined with other atoms to form a molecule or ion. For example, noble gases such as helium, neon, and argon exist in the free state in the atmosphere. Therefore, atoms can exist in the free state in nature.

Atoms in the form of Molecules and Ions:
Atoms can also exist in the form of molecules and ions simultaneously. For example, carbon dioxide molecules are formed when one carbon atom combines with two oxygen atoms chemically. Additionally, carbon dioxide ions are formed when a carbon dioxide molecule gains or loses electrons, creating a net electric charge. Therefore, atoms can exist in the form of molecules and ions simultaneously in nature.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, atoms can exist in various forms in nature, such as molecules, ions, and in the free state. Molecules are the most common form in which atoms exist in nature, but atoms can also exist in the form of ions and in the free state. Additionally, atoms can exist in the form of molecules and ions simultaneously.