Question

1. the pie graph below shows the elements comprising earths crust in percent by mass. pie chart with labels oxygen, other, potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, iron, aluminum, x what element does the letter x represent? a) lead b) hydrogen c) nitrogen d) silicon

Explanation:

To determine the element represented by \( X \) in the pie graph of Earth's crust composition, we recall the major elements in Earth's crust by mass. The most abundant elements in Earth's crust (by mass) are Oxygen, Silicon, Aluminum, Iron, etc. Oxygen is the most abundant, followed by Silicon. Looking at the pie graph, \( X \) is the second - largest segment after Oxygen.

• Option A (lead): Lead is not a major component of Earth's crust in terms of mass percentage.
• Option B (hydrogen): Hydrogen is very scarce in Earth's crust.
• Option C (nitrogen): Nitrogen is mainly in the atmosphere, not a major crustal element.
• Option D (silicon): Silicon is the second - most abundant element in Earth's crust by mass, which matches the position of \( X \) (second - largest segment after Oxygen).

Answer:

D) silicon