Arrange the following major constituents of ocean water (over 100 ppm) in decreasing order of their percentages:

A. Chlorine
B. Sulfates
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium

Choose the correct answer from the options below:

Correct option is B

Introduction
Ocean water contains several dissolved salts, and when the major constituents present in concentrations above 100 ppm are arranged in decreasing order, the correct sequence is Chlorine, Sodium, Sulfates, and Magnesium.

Information Booster

• Chlorine → Sodium → Sulfates → Magnesium - Chlorine is the most abundant dissolved constituent in ocean water, accounting for the highest percentage of total salts.
• Sodium is the second most abundant element and commonly combines with chlorine to form sodium chloride, the dominant salt in seawater.
• Sulfates rank third and occur mainly in the form of magnesium sulfate and calcium sulfate.
• Magnesium, though significant, is present in a lower concentration compared to chlorine, sodium, and sulfates.
• This decreasing order reflects the chemical composition and relative abundance of major salts dissolved in ocean water.

Additional Knowledge

• A, B, C & D -
  • This sequence incorrectly places sulfates ahead of sodium, which contradicts observed seawater composition.
• A, C, D & B -
  • This option incorrectly places magnesium ahead of sulfates, despite magnesium having a lower percentage.
• A, B, D & C -
  • This arrangement places magnesium before sodium, which is scientifically inaccurate.