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How rare is oxygen?

Published in Chemistry 1 min read

Oxygen is not rare; it's actually quite abundant on Earth and in the universe.

Oxygen's prevalence can be broken down by different environments:

  • Earth's Atmosphere: Oxygen makes up approximately 21% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it a major component.

  • Earth's Crust: It is the most common element in the Earth's crust, comprising around 50% of its composition.

  • The Universe: Oxygen ranks as the third most abundant element in the universe, following hydrogen and helium.

  • Human Body: Oxygen is the most abundant element in the human body, constituting about 65% of our body mass.

Therefore, considering its presence in various environments, oxygen is far from rare. It's a fundamental element that supports life and plays a vital role in numerous chemical processes.