Which one of the following is present in the largest amount in terms of per cent by mass in the earth’s crust?
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
- ASilicon
- BOxygenCorrect
- CCarbon
- DCalcium
Explanation
The correct answer is B because oxygen is the most abundant element in the earths crust by mass. It accounts for approximately 46.6 percent of the total mass of the crust. Silicon is the second most abundant element at about 27.7 percent. While carbon and calcium are present in the crust, their percentages are significantly lower than oxygen and silicon. Oxygen is widely distributed because it combines with other elements to form various silicate minerals and oxides that make up the majority of the earths rocks.
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