What Is Air Made Up Of
Key Notes :
- Composition of Air:
- Air is a mixture of gases that surround the Earth.
- The primary components of air are nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%).
- Trace Gases:
- Apart from nitrogen and oxygen, air also contains trace gases, which are present in smaller amounts. Some of these include argon, carbon dioxide, neon, and helium.
- Water Vapor:
- Air can also contain variable amounts of water vapor, depending on humidity levels. Water vapor is essential for weather and climate processes.
- Other Impurities:
- Air may also contain small amounts of pollutants and particles, like dust, pollen, and even tiny microorganisms.
- Importance of Nitrogen:
- Nitrogen is a non-reactive gas, but it’s crucial for living organisms because it’s a part of proteins and DNA.
- Importance of Oxygen:
- Oxygen is essential for the respiration of humans, animals, and many other organisms. It’s required for the release of energy from food.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
- Carbon dioxide is a trace gas in the atmosphere but plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect and climate regulation.
- Air Quality:
- Air quality can vary in different places and at different times due to human activities, such as industrial pollution and transportation.
- Breathing:
- We breathe in air to obtain oxygen, which our bodies need for survival.
- Photosynthesis:
- Plants use carbon dioxide from the air in a process called photosynthesis to make their food and release oxygen into the atmosphere.
- Understanding Air Quality:
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the quality of the air and helps us understand how clean or polluted the air is in a specific location.
- Protection of Air Quality:
- It’s essential to protect and improve air quality to ensure a healthy environment for all living organisms.
Let’s practice!
