Question

Which is the most abundant element in Earth's crust? A. silicon C. iron B. manganese D. oxygen Use the table below to answer questions 8-10. \begin{tabular}{|l|c|} \hline Mineral & Hardness \\ \hline Talc & 1 \\ \hline Gypsum & 2 \\ \hline Calcite & 3 \\ \hline Fluorite & 4 \\ \hline Apatite & 5 \\ \hline Feldspar & 6 \\ \hline Quartz & 7 \\ \hline Topaz & 8 \\ \hline Corundum & 9 \\ \hline Diamond & 10 \\ \hline \end{tabular}

Short answer

The most abundant element in Earth's crust is oxygen. Option D is correct.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks about the most abundant element in Earth's crust. We need to identify this element from the given options - silicon, iron, manganese, and oxygen.

Recall Earth's Crust Composition

In Earth Science, the most abundant elements in Earth's crust by weight are often discussed. The key elements include oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

Identify the Most Abundant Element

Among the mentioned elements, oxygen is the most abundant in the Earth's crust. It constitutes about 46% of the Earth's crust by weight.

Verify Answer with Options

Examine the given options to see which aligns with our knowledge of the Earth's crust composition: A. silicon, B. manganese, C. iron, and D. oxygen. Since oxygen is the most abundant, option D is correct.

Key concepts

Abundance of Elements

The Earth's crust is made up of various elements, with some being more plentiful than others. This abundance determines how common an element is in the crust. Among the elements, oxygen stands out as the most abundant, making up about 46% of the Earth's crust. It is usually found in the form of compounds, such as silicates and oxides.
Silicon follows as the second most abundant element, contributing to around 28% of the crust's weight. Together, oxygen and silicon form the majority of the compounds that make up rocks.
These elements are part of a larger group that includes aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Each of these plays a vital role in the composition and structure of Earth's surface.

• Oxygen - 46%
• Silicon - 28%
• Aluminum - 8%
• Iron - 5%

Certain elements are not just abundant, but crucial in forming the minerals and rocks we see in the Earth's crust. Understanding these elemental abundancescan help us appreciate the complexity and richness of Earth's geology.

Mineral Hardness

Mineral hardness is a key property used to identify and compare minerals. It measures the resistance of a mineral's surface to scratching or abrasion. In geology, a commonly used scale for mineral hardness is the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 to 10.
Talc is the softest mineral, ranking at 1, while diamond sits at the top with a hardness of 10, making it the hardest known natural material.
The Mohs scale is particularly useful for field geologists when determining the identity of minerals. To assess hardness, they might use simple tools such as a fingernail, a copper coin, or a steel knife.

• Talc - 1
• Gypsum - 2
• Calcite - 3
• Fluorite - 4

Understanding mineral hardness allows scientists to predict the durability and longevity of various rocks and minerals. This information is essential in various applications, from construction to creating jewelry.

Most Abundant Element in Earth's Crust

Determining the most abundant element in the Earth's crust can seem challenging, but understanding the basic composition simplifies this task. Among all elements, oxygen holds the title of being the most abundant in the Earth's crust.
It is not present as a gas, like in the atmosphere, but primarily in solid forms, as oxides or in combination with silicon and other elements to form silicate minerals. These silicates make up the majority of Earth's crust.
Identifying the most abundant element is crucial for understanding Earth's geological processes, as it plays a central role in the formation of rocks and minerals, which make up the planet's foundation. Oxygen, for example, combines with silicon to form quartz, one of the most common and durable minerals on Earth.

• Forms silicate minerals
• Vital for rock formation
• Central to geological processes

This abundant element is indispensable both in scientific study and practical applications, providing insights and resources needed across various fields.