The following chart shows a general decline in abundance with increasing mass among the first 30 elements. The decline continues beyond zinc. Notice that the scale on the vertical axis is logarithmic, that is, it progresses in powers of 10. The abundance of nitrogen, for example, is 1/10,000 (1/10⁴) of the abundance of hydrogen. All abundances are plotted as the number of atoms per 10¹² atoms of H. (The fact that the abundances of Li, Be, and B, as well as those of the elements near Fe, do not follow the general decline is a consequence of the way that elements are synthesized in stars.) 

(a). What is the most abundant main group metal? 

(b). What is the most abundant nonmetal? 

(c). What is the most abundant metalloid? 

(d). Which of the transition elements is most abundant? 

(e). Which halogens are included on this plot, and which is the most abundant?

Transcribed Image Text:

Relative abundance 1014 10¹2 10¹0 108 106 104 10² 0 H He Li Be B C N O F Ne Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Element