Table 33.1 indicates that the element iron contributes 32.1...

Table 33.1 indicates that the element iron contributes $32.1 \%$ of the Earth's mass, oxygen $30.1 \%$, and silicon $15.1 \%$ a. Assume that all of the iron in the solar nebula in the Earth's vicinity was incorporated into the Earth. Use the data in Table 33.1 to calculate what percentage of the available silicon and oxygen were incorporated. b. What percentage of the other major elements were included in the Earth? c. Nearly all of the oxygen in the Earth is locked up in silicates. On average, how many oxygen atoms are there per silicon atom? (Note that silicon has an atomic mass of 28 , while oxygen is 16.2)

Table 33.1 indicates that the element iron contributes $32.1 \%$ of the Earth's mass, oxygen $30.1 \%$, and silicon $15.1 \%$
a. Assume that all of the iron in the solar nebula in the Earth's vicinity was incorporated into the Earth. Use the data in Table 33.1 to calculate what percentage of the available silicon and oxygen were incorporated.
b. What percentage of the other major elements were included in the Earth?
c. Nearly all of the oxygen in the Earth is locked up in silicates. On average, how many oxygen atoms are there per silicon atom? (Note that silicon has an atomic mass of 28 , while oxygen is 16.2)

Key Concepts

Stoichiometric Calculations in Geochemistry

Stoichiometry deals with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions. In the context of planetary formation, stoichiometric calculations are used to relate mass percentages and atomic masses to the number of atoms, allowing scientists to determine ratios like the number of oxygen atoms per silicon atom, which are pivotal in understanding mineral formation.

Elemental Abundances in the Solar Nebula

This concept refers to the relative amounts of different elements present in the material that formed the solar system. In planetary science, understanding these abundances is crucial because they set the starting material from which planets like Earth were assembled, and they provide a baseline for comparing the actual composition of planetary bodies with the initial chemical inventory.

Mass Fractions and Composition Analysis

Mass fraction analysis involves determining the percentage of a planet's total mass contributed by each element. This concept is key to geochemistry and planetary science as it helps scientists infer the internal structure and compositional differentiation of planetary bodies, as well as understand the processes that led to their present-day makeup.

Incorporation Efficiency of Elements

Incorporation efficiency describes the fraction of available elements from the solar nebula that are actually incorporated into a forming planet. It is important for understanding why some elements are universally abundant in planets while others are depleted, as well as for modeling the processes of accretion and differentiation during planet formation.

Silicate Formation and Mineral Chemistry

Silicate formation involves the chemical combination of elements such as silicon and oxygen to form the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth’s mantle and crust. This concept is central to planetary geology because it explains not only the mineral composition of a terrestrial planet but also the bonding and structural properties that influence the physical behavior of its interior.

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