18
RCMultiple Choice

Cell Differentiation and Specialization — Cumulative exam

Question 18 • PMHS Biology I Q2

There are more hydrogen atoms in living organisms than any other atom, but oxygen is more abundant in terms of mass. Why is this statement true?

Answer
A
Hydrogen is a gas, but oxygen is a solid.
B
Hydrogen atoms have a lower mass than oxygen atoms.
C
Hydrogen atoms make up more of water's mass than oxygen atoms.
D
Hydrogen is present as single atoms and oxygen is bonded in compounds.

Explanation

Hydrogen atoms are much lighter than oxygen atoms: one oxygen atom has about 16 times the mass of one hydrogen atom. So organisms can contain more hydrogen atoms by number, while oxygen still contributes more total mass. Choice B, hydrogen atoms have a lower mass than oxygen atoms, explains the statement.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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