Is Air Present Everywhere Around Us

1. Presence of Air:

  • Air envelops the Earth, creating a layer called the atmosphere.
  • Although invisible, we can feel air when it moves as wind, causing leaves to rustle or flags to wave.

2. Composition of Air:

  • Air is a mixture of gases:
    • Nitrogen (78%): The most abundant gas, it does not support burning.
    • Oxygen (21%): Essential for respiration and combustion.
    • Argon (0.9%): An inert gas present in small amounts.
    • Carbon Dioxide (0.04%): Used by plants in photosynthesis; produced during respiration and combustion.
    • Water Vapor: Varies in amount; contributes to humidity and forms clouds.
    • Trace Gases: Includes gases like neon and helium in minute quantities.

3. Importance of Air:

  • Respiration: Animals and humans inhale oxygen from the air and exhale carbon dioxide.
  • Photosynthesis: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, maintaining atmospheric balance.
  • Combustion: Oxygen supports the burning of fuels for energy, cooking, and warmth.
  • Weather and Climate: Air movement influences weather patterns and helps distribute heat across the planet.

4. Properties of Air:

  • Occupies Space: Air fills any container, even if we can’t see it.
  • Exerts Pressure: The weight of air creates atmospheric pressure, which decreases with altitude.
  • Has Mass: Although light, air has weight, demonstrated by inflating a balloon.

5. Air in Soil and Water:

  • Soil: Air fills spaces between soil particles, providing oxygen for plant roots and soil organisms.
  • Water: Dissolved oxygen in water is crucial for aquatic life like fish and plants.

6. Atmospheric Layers:

  • The atmosphere is divided into layers:
    • Troposphere: Closest to Earth; where weather occurs.
    • Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays.
    • Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere: Higher layers with distinct characteristics.

7. Human Impact on Air:

  • Activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation increase pollutants and greenhouse gases, leading to air pollution and climate change.

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