Question

The most abundant non-metal found in the earth’s crust is:
A. Chlorine
B. Hydrogen
C. Silicon
D. Oxygen

Answer 1

Hint: The most abundant non-metal found in the earth’s crust is a Group 16 element. It is one of the most important elements to sustain human life on earth.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The most abundant non-metal found in the earth’s crust is Oxygen. It is also the most abundant element found in the earth’s crust. It makes up about 46% of the earth’s crust, followed by Silicon with 28% and Aluminium with 8.3%. The exact estimates of elemental abundance are difficult as the composition of upper and lower crusts are quite different. Also, the composition of continental crust can vary drastically depending upon the location. Oxygen, also along with nitrogen form the main constituents of air. Most of the oxygen in the earth’s crust is in the form of oxides. Oxygen, along with Na, Si, P, S, Ca, Fe and some others are the rock forming elements of the earth’s crust. On Earth and in rocky planets in general, silicon and oxygen are far more common than their cosmic abundance because they combine with each other to form silicate minerals.

Additional information:
Some uses of atmospheric oxygen are:
It is the most important gas for respiration. Every living creature requires oxygen to survive.
The production of steel is reliant on oxygen as it is used in the blast furnace to turn carbon into carbon dioxide.

Note: The answer would be different if the most abundant metal in the earth’s core is asked. The most abundant metal in earth’s core is Aluminium.