Question

What is the correct order of abundance of non-metals in earth's crust?

• A. Oxygen > Silicon > Sodium > Iron
• B. Oxygen > Silicon > Phosphorus > Sulfur
• C. Sulfur > Phosphorus > Silicon > Oxygen
• D. Iron > Aluminum > Silver > Gold

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Oxygen > Silicon > Phosphorus > Sulfur

Explanation of correct option:

• The elements which are present in the p-block are called non-metals due their chemical properties like high electronegativity and etc.
• (B) Oxygen ($O_2$) is the most abundant non-metal in the earth's crust.
• It is also the most prevalent element in the crust of the world.
• It accounts for around 46 percent of the earth's crust, with silicon accounting for 28 percent and aluminum accounting for 8.3 percent.
• The composition of the upper and lower crusts differs significantly, making precise estimations of constituent abundance problematic.
• Furthermore, the composition of continental crust varies greatly depending on location.
• Oxygen, along with nitrogen, is one of the most important components of air. Oxides make up the majority of the oxygen in the earth's crust.
• The rock-forming components of the earth's crust include oxygen, as well as Na, Si, P, S, Ca, Fe, and a few more.
• Thus the correct order of abundance of non-metal is: Oxygen > Silicon > Phosphorus > Sulfur

So, the correct option is (B)