Question

The most abundant element in the Earth's continental crust is

• A. silicon
• B. aluminium
• C. oxygen
• D. iron

Hint:

Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's continental crust, followed by silicon. These two elements combine to form the majority of Earth's minerals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the composition of Earth's crust.
The Earth's continental crust is primarily composed of oxygen (about 46% by weight), followed by silicon (about 28%). These two elements combine to form the most common minerals in the crust, such as feldspar and quartz.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) silicon: Silicon is abundant in the Earth's crust but is less abundant than oxygen.
(B) aluminium: Aluminium is present in the crust but is less abundant than silicon and oxygen.
(C) oxygen: Correct — Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's continental crust.
(D) iron: Iron is more abundant in the Earth's core, not the continental crust.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) oxygen, as it is the most abundant element in the Earth's continental crust.