Chapter 12, Problem 21P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the difference in rankings of the given elements in terms of their abundance on the Earth’s surface by atom percent and mass percent needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

• The composition of earth’s surface can be expressed in terms the amount of element or the type of elements present
• Mass percent is a ratio of the amount or weight of each element relative to the total weight
• Atom percent is a ratio of the number of atoms of element relative to the total number of atoms