Concept:
Noble gases are chemically inert and present in trace amounts in the atmosphere. Among them, argon is the most abundant due to radioactive decay processes.
Step 1: Atmospheric composition.
• Nitrogen = 78%
• Oxygen = 21%
• Argon = 0.93%
Step 2: Origin of argon.
Argon-40 is produced from radioactive decay of potassium-40 in Earth's crust, increasing its abundance.
Step 3: Comparison with other noble gases.
• He, Ne → escape due to low mass
• Kr, Xe → very rare
Step 4: Why other options are incorrect.
• (A), (B): lighter gases escape atmosphere
• (D), (E): present in trace ppm levels
Final Conclusion:
Argon is the most abundant noble gas in atmosphere.