What is Earth’s atmosphere made of?…

Physics Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
Physics Questions

Read the question, and then use the drop-down menus to complete the paragraph. What is Earth’s atmosphere made of? The most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere is , followed by , which is needed to burn wood and fuel. The third-most abundant gas is . The amount of in the atmosphere is very small, making up just 0.033% of the atmosphere, but it is very important because plants use it to make simple sugars. Another important gas is water vapor, which condenses around in the atmosphere to form clouds and then rain.

Short Answer

The Earth’s atmosphere primarily consists of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), along with smaller amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Each component plays crucial roles, such as nitrogen providing stability, oxygen supporting life, carbon dioxide aiding photosynthesis, and water vapor influencing weather and climate.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Composition

The Earth’s atmosphere consists mainly of four important gases. The two most prevalent gases are:

  • Nitrogen: The most abundant, making up around 78% of the atmosphere.
  • Oxygen: The second most abundant, essential for combustion and life, comprising about 21%.

Step 2: Recognize Other Gases

In addition to nitrogen and oxygen, there are other gases present in smaller amounts that are crucial for different processes. These include:

  • Argon: This noble gas forms about 0.93% of the atmosphere.
  • Carbon Dioxide: Although it makes up only 0.033%, it plays a significant role in photosynthesis.
  • Water Vapor: Variable in amount, it is essential for cloud formation and precipitation.

Step 3: Importance of Atmospheric Gases

Each component of the atmosphere has its own vital function that supports life and weather patterns. Key points include:

  • Nitrogen: Maintains a stable environment for life.
  • Oxygen: Crucial for most living organisms and necessary for burning fuels.
  • Carbon Dioxide: Essential for plant growth through photosynthesis.
  • Water Vapor: Integral for climate and weather systems.

Related Concepts

Nitrogen

The most abundant gas in the earth’s atmosphere, making up around 78%, essential for maintaining a stable environment for life.

Oxygen

The second most abundant gas in the atmosphere, comprising about 21%, crucial for most living organisms and necessary for combustion.

Carbon Dioxide

A gas that constitutes about 0.033% of the atmosphere, playing a significant role in photosynthesis and essential for plant growth.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the question, and then use the drop-down menus to complete the paragraph. What is Earth’s atmosphere made of? The most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere is , followed by , which is needed to burn wood and fuel. The third-most abundant gas is . The amount of in the atmosphere is very small, making up just 0.033% of the atmosphere, but it is very important because plants use it to make simple sugars. Another important gas is water vapor, which condenses around in the atmosphere to form clouds and then rain.

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