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Multiple Choice
Which of the following lists correctly identifies the top eight most abundant elements in Earth's crust by mass?
A
O, Si, Al, Fe, Ca, S, Cl, K
B
O, Si, Fe, C, N, S, Cl, Na
C
O, Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Na, K, Mg
D
H, O, C, N, Ca, Fe, Mg, S
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the problem asks for the top eight most abundant elements in Earth's crust by mass, which is a factual knowledge question rather than a calculation.
Recall that Earth's crust is primarily composed of oxygen and silicon, followed by metals like aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Recognize that elements such as carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and chlorine are not among the top eight by mass in the crust, even though they are abundant in other parts of the Earth or atmosphere.
Compare each list given with the known order of abundance: O, Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Na, K, Mg, noting which elements appear and their relative positions.
Confirm that the list matching the known order of abundance by mass in Earth's crust is the one containing O, Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Na, K, and Mg.