Problem 17
Question
In the following pairs, which element is more abundant in the human body? (a) silicon or oxygen; (b) iron or oxygen; (c) carbon or aluminum
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
Answer: (a) Oxygen, (b) Oxygen, and (c) Carbon.
1Step 1: Pair (a) Silicon or Oxygen
Oxygen is the most abundant element in the human body, accounting for about 65% of a person's mass. Silicon, on the other hand, is present only in trace amounts. Therefore, oxygen is more abundant in the human body than silicon.
2Step 2: Pair (b) Iron or Oxygen
As mentioned earlier, oxygen is the most abundant element in the human body, accounting for about 65% of a person's mass. Iron, while an important component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, is much less abundant overall. Consequently, oxygen is more abundant in the human body than iron.
3Step 3: Pair (c) Carbon or Aluminum
Carbon is the second most abundant element in the human body, comprising about 18% of a person's mass. It is a crucial component of organic molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Aluminum, on the other hand, is present only in trace amounts and has no known biological function. Thus, carbon is more abundant in the human body than aluminum.
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