Which three elements do plants use in large amounts and are obtained from the atmosphere and water around the plant?

Plants rely on carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in significant quantities as foundational elements for their growth and metabolic processes. These elements are primarily sourced from the atmosphere and water, making them essential for photosynthesis and respiration.

Carbon is absorbed by plants from the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). During photosynthesis, plants convert CO2 into glucose, which serves as an energy source. Hydrogen is obtained from water (H2O), which plants take up through their roots. Water also plays a vital role in photosynthesis, where it is split to release oxygen. Lastly, oxygen is another byproduct of photosynthesis, part of both carbon dioxide and water molecules, and is crucial for the plant's respiration process.

This trio of elements, therefore, is essential for the formation of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules necessary for plant life. These processes illustrate how B is the correct answer, as they are directly linked to the plant’s growth and development sourced from their environment.