Almost 98% of Earths crust is made up of eight elements. Which of the ...
The outermost surface of the Earth is called the lithosphere, or crust.
- This rigid layer contains both the oceans and landmasses.
- Most elements are found in only trace amounts within the earth’s crust, but several are abundant.
- About 98% of the total crust is made up of eight elements as oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
- The rest 2% is constituted by elements like titanium, hydrogen, phosphorous, manganese, sulphur, carbon, nickel, and others.
- The elements in the earth’s crust are rarely found exclusive but are usually combined with other elements to make various substances.
- Oxygen is by far the most abundant element in earth's crust at 46.6 percent, nearly half of the mass of the crust.
Almost 98% of Earths crust is made up of eight elements. Which of the ...
Answer:
Introduction:
The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth's surface and is composed of a variety of elements. However, the majority of the Earth's crust is made up of a small number of elements. This answer will explain which of the given options does not figure among these elements and provide a detailed explanation for it.
The Composition of Earth's Crust:
The Earth's crust is primarily composed of several elements, with the eight most abundant elements making up nearly 98% of its composition. These elements are:
1. Oxygen (O): Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up about 46.6% of its composition. It is a vital component of minerals, rocks, and even the atmosphere.
2. Silicon (Si): Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, accounting for approximately 27.7%. It is a key component of silicate minerals, which are the primary constituents of rocks like granite and sandstone.
3. Aluminum (Al): Aluminum comprises around 8.1% of the Earth's crust. It is commonly found in minerals such as feldspar, mica, and clay.
4. Iron (Fe): Iron is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, constituting about 5% of its composition. It is predominantly found in minerals like hematite, magnetite, and pyrite.
5. Calcium (Ca): Calcium accounts for approximately 3.6% of the Earth's crust. It is an essential component of minerals like limestone, gypsum, and dolomite.
6. Sodium (Na): Sodium makes up about 2.8% of the Earth's crust. It is typically found in minerals such as halite (rock salt) and feldspar.
7. Potassium (K): Potassium comprises around 2.6% of the Earth's crust. It is a major component of minerals like potassium feldspar and mica.
8. Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium accounts for approximately 2.1% of the Earth's crust. It is commonly found in minerals such as magnesite and dolomite.
The Correct Answer:
Among the given options, Carbon (C) does not figure among the eight most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. Carbon is an essential element for life and is present in many organic compounds. However, it is not a significant component of the Earth's crust. Instead, carbon is found in larger quantities in the Earth's mantle and core.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'B' (Carbon). While carbon is a crucial element for life, it is not one of the eight most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. The eight elements that dominate the Earth's crust are oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
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