Concept explainers
The most abundant element in the earth’s crust is
- a. oxygen
- b. nitrogen
- c. silicon
- d. carbon
The most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.
Answer to Problem 1MC
Option-(a)-“Oxygen”
Explanation of Solution
The outer part of the Earth is called the crust is almost composed of rock. Earth’s crust consists of a very few abundant elements. Most of the elements are present in minor amounts.
Conclusion:
Oxygen is the most abundant element of the Earth’s crust, which is of about 46.6% of the total mass of the Earth’s crust. Silicon stands at the second place, which has about 27.7% of mass; whereas calcium is 3.6%, sodium is 2.8%, potassium is 2.6%, and magnesium is 2.1%. All the other elements occupy the remaining portion. Hence, option (a) is correct.
As silicon, nitrogen, and carbon occupy a less percentage of mass than oxygen, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
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Chapter 15 Solutions
The Physical Universe
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