Chapter 24, Problem 1AC

What is the most abundant compound near or on the surface of Earth?

a. O₂

b. H₂O

c. CO₂

d. N₂

To determine

The most abundant compound near or on the surface of earth from the given options:

a. ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$

b. ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

c. ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$

d. ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}$

Answer to Problem 1AC

Solution:

Option (b) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: The earth is covered by about 70 percent water only. Water is the highest abundant compound compared to the other compounds such as minerals. And on an average about 98 percent of water exists in the state of liquid.

Explanation:

Reason for the correct option:

The space-based satellite picture of the earth gives an evidence that most parts of earth are being covered by water. Water covers 70 percent of earth’s surface, which is 6 or 7 times more than any other abundant material present on earth.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect options:

Option (a) is incorrect because water is the most abundant compound present on the earth’s surface. ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ is present in air not on the earth's surface.

Option (c) is incorrect because water is the most abundant compound present on the earth’s surface. ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ is present in air not on the earth's surface.

Option (d) is incorrect because water is the most abundant compound present on earth’s surface. ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}$ is present in air not on the earth's surface.

Hence options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion:

The most abundant compound near or on the surface of earth is $\underset{\_}{{\text{H}}_2\text{O}}$.