Most abundant element in Earth’s crust — UPSC Prelims PYQ 1997
Which one of the following is present in the largest amount in terms of per cent by mass in the Earth’s crust?
- Silicon
- Oxygen
- Carbon
- Calcium
Explanation
Option (b) is correct
- Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust by mass, constituting about 46.6% of its total weight. It occurs mainly in combination with other elements, forming oxides and silicate minerals such as silica (SiO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃), and various silicates.
Answer: (b) Oxygen
