Question

Which of the following element is the second most abundant element on the earth's crust and is present in nature? 

It is a very important component of ceramics, glass and cement.

(a) Germanium

(b) Silicon

(c) Tin

(d) Lead

Answer 1

(b) Silicon

Silicon makes up 27.7% of the Earth's crust by mass and is the second most abundant element (oxygen is the first). It does not occur uncombined in nature but occurs chiefly as the oxide (silica) and as silicates.