QQuestionEarth Science
QuestionEarth Science
What are the four elements that make up most of the mass of the Earth's oceans?
over 1 year agoReport content
Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Identify the Major Elements
The four elements that make up most of the mass of the Earth's oceans are:
Step 3:
Hydrogen (H)
Step 4:
Oxygen (O)
Step 5:
Sodium (Na)
Step 6:
- These elements primarily compose water ($$H_{2}O$$) and dissolved salts (primarily sodium chloride, $$NaCl$$)
Chlorine (Cl) Explanation: - Water molecules are composed of hydrogen and oxygen - Dissolved salts contribute significant elemental mass, with sodium and chlorine being the primary ions
Step 7:: Chemical Composition Breakdown
- Sodium chloride ($$NaCl$$) contributes additional elemental mass
\frac{2}{3} hydrogen by number of atoms
Final Answer
The four elements that make up most of the mass of the Earth's oceans are hydrogen, oxygen, sodium, and chlorine.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students