Which gas makes up the majority of earth's atmosphere?

General
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which gas makes up the majority of earth’s atmosphere?

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Which gas makes up the majority of Earth’s atmosphere?

Answer:
The gas that makes up the majority of Earth’s atmosphere is nitrogen (N₂). Here’s a detailed breakdown of the composition of Earth’s atmosphere:

  1. Nitrogen (N₂):

    • Proportion: Nitrogen constitutes approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere by volume.
    • Role: Nitrogen is relatively inert under normal atmospheric conditions. It is essential for the nitrogen cycle, which includes processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification, critical for sustaining life on Earth.

  2. Oxygen (O₂):

    • Proportion: Oxygen makes up about 21% of the atmosphere by volume.
    • Role: Oxygen is crucial for the survival of aerobic organisms and is used in cellular respiration. It also plays a part in the formation of the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

  3. Argon (Ar):

    • Proportion: Argon is the third most prevalent gas, comprising about 0.93% of the atmosphere by volume.
    • Role: Argon is a noble gas and is chemically inert. It does not play a significant role in the chemical processes of the atmosphere but is used in various industrial applications.

  4. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):

    • Proportion: Carbon dioxide makes up approximately 0.04% of the atmosphere.
    • Role: CO₂ is vital for the process of photosynthesis in plants and plays a significant role in regulating the Earth’s temperature through the greenhouse effect.

  5. Other Gases:

    • Proportion: Trace amounts of other gases such as neon, helium, methane, krypton, and hydrogen are also present.
    • Role: These gases, although present in minute quantities, can have specific roles. For instance, methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and ozone in the stratosphere absorbs UV radiation.

Summary:
The Earth’s atmosphere is predominantly composed of nitrogen, which makes up roughly 78%. Oxygen follows, contributing about 21%, while argon and carbon dioxide fill much smaller fractions. These components are essential for various life processes and atmospheric phenomena, contributing to the planet’s life-supporting environment.

Final Answer:
Nitrogen (N₂) is the gas that makes up the majority of Earth’s atmosphere, constituting about 78% of it.