Eleanor Finch
The Earth's atmosphere is composed of several gases, with the top four making up 99.998% of all gases. The second most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere is oxygen, which constitutes about 21% of the air. Oxygen is used by all living things and is essential for respiration and combustion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Gas | Oxygen (O2) |
| Abundance in Earth's Atmosphere | 21% |
| State at Room Temperature | Gas |
| Role | Used by all living things for respiration and essential for combustion |
| Other Abundant Gases in Earth's Atmosphere | Nitrogen (78%), Argon (0.93%), Carbon Dioxide (0.04%) |
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What You'll Learn
Oxygen is the second most abundant gas in the atmosphere
The Earth's atmosphere is a thin band of air that serves as a protective buffer between the Earth's surface and outer space. It is composed of several gases, with the top four making up 99.998% of all gases. The most abundant naturally occurring gas in the atmosphere is nitrogen (N2), which constitutes about 78% of air.
Oxygen (O2) is the second most abundant gas in the atmosphere, accounting for about 21% of the air we breathe. It is crucial for life on Earth and is used by all living things for respiration. Oxygen is also essential for combustion or burning. While nitrogen dilutes oxygen and prevents rapid burning at the Earth's surface, oxygen is needed for combustion to occur.
The dry composition of the atmosphere includes fractional amounts of other gases in addition to nitrogen and oxygen. Argon (Ar) is the third most abundant gas, making up 0.93% of the atmosphere. There are also trace amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), which account for about 0.04% of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide acts as a blanket, preventing heat from escaping into outer space.
The atmosphere also contains small amounts of other gases, including neon (Ne), helium (He), methane (CH4), krypton, ozone, and hydrogen. Water vapor, or water in a gaseous state, is also present in the atmosphere, though its contribution varies. On average, water vapor accounts for about 1% of the atmosphere at sea level and 0.4% over the entire atmosphere. In desert regions, when dry winds blow, the contribution of water vapor can be close to zero, while in hot and humid conditions, it can climb to nearly 3%.
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Oxygen is essential for respiration and combustion
Oxygen is the second most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, constituting about 21% of it. It is essential for respiration and combustion.
Oxygen is crucial for respiration in many animals. The respiratory system, which includes the nose, mouth, throat, voice box, windpipe, and lungs, brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide. Oxygen enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels down the windpipe into the lungs. In the lungs, oxygen moves into the blood through tiny blood vessels called capillaries that line the walls of alveoli, which are small sacs in the lungs. Red blood cells then pick up the oxygen and deliver it to the body's cells. The body needs oxygen for energy production. In the mitochondria, which are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, oxygen drives the Electron Transport Chain (ETC). Electrons are donated from molecules like NADH and FADH2, and oxygen accepts these electrons from the final carrier protein, becoming H2O and creating a gradient for the electrons to flow through. This process ultimately supplies energy to form ATP, the energy carrier for the body.
Oxygen is also essential for combustion, which is the chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat. This process involves the oxidation of fuel by an oxidizer, with oxygen acting as the oxidizer. When a combustible substance or fuel comes into contact with oxygen, combustion occurs, producing heat, and sometimes light. The presence of oxygen is crucial for this process, and in its absence, combustion cannot take place. For example, when the oxygen supply is cut off from a fire, it extinguishes due to the lack of oxygen. Similarly, covering someone with a blanket to put out a fire on their clothing works on the same principle of preventing oxygen from reaching the fuel.
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Water vapour accounts for 0.25% of the atmosphere by mass
Water vapour, or water vapor, accounts for roughly 0.25% of the Earth's atmosphere by mass. The concentration of water vapour varies significantly from around 10 parts per million by mole fraction in the coldest portions of the atmosphere to as much as 5% by mole fraction in hot, humid air masses. The concentration of water vapour increases as the temperature rises, approaching 100% (steam, pure water vapour) at 100 °C. Water vapour is a greenhouse gas and is responsible for about half of Earth's greenhouse effect, which is the process that occurs when gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap the sun's heat.
Water vapour is also a key part of the Earth's water cycle, which is the path that all water follows as it moves around the Earth's atmosphere, land, and ocean as liquid water, solid ice, and gaseous water vapour. Water vapour is formed through the oxidation of methane, which adds about 15% to methane's global warming effect. In the absence of other greenhouse gases, Earth's water vapour would condense to the surface.
Water vapour is also responsible for the formation of clouds, rain, snow, and other precipitation. The condensation of water vapour to the liquid or ice phase is responsible for these weather patterns. The latent heat of vaporization, which is released to the atmosphere whenever condensation occurs, is one of the most important terms in the atmospheric energy budget on both local and global scales. For example, the latent heat release in atmospheric convection is directly responsible for powering destructive storms such as tropical cyclones and severe thunderstorms.
Water vapour in the atmosphere has increased as the climate has warmed. This creates a "positive feedback loop," in which water vapour absorbs heat radiated from the Earth and prevents it from escaping into space. This further warms the atmosphere, resulting in even more water vapour in the atmosphere.
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Water vapour concentrations vary from 10 ppm to 5% by mole fraction
Water vapour is a significant constituent of the Earth's atmosphere, although it only accounts for a small percentage of the total composition. Water vapour concentrations vary from 10 parts per million (ppm) to 5% by mole fraction. This variation is due to differences in temperature and humidity levels in the atmosphere. At extremely low temperatures of -42 degrees Celsius or -44 degrees Fahrenheit, the percentage of water vapour in the air can be as low as 0.01%. On the other hand, in hot and humid air masses, the concentration can reach up to 5% or 50,000 ppm.
Water vapour plays a crucial role in the Earth's energy budget and weather patterns. When water vapour condenses into liquid or ice, it releases latent heat, powering atmospheric convection and the formation of clouds, rain, snow, and other types of precipitation. The condensation of water vapour is responsible for the existence of clouds, rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation. This process releases latent heat, which plays a significant role in the Earth's energy budget. The amount of water vapour in the air determines how frequently molecules will return to the surface.
The concentration of water vapour in the atmosphere is influenced by various factors, including temperature, evaporation rates, and geographical location. The Earth's atmosphere acts as a protective layer, shielding the planet from harmful meteoroids and ultraviolet solar radiation. It also helps regulate temperature extremes and provides the necessary chemical and climate conditions for life to exist and evolve.
Water vapour is a greenhouse gas and is the most abundant of all the greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. It contributes to the greenhouse effect, which helps to keep the Earth warm. However, human activities have led to an increase in greenhouse gases, causing the planet to warm at an unprecedented rate. This warming trend has significant implications for the planet's climate and ecosystems.
The variation in water vapour concentrations, from 10 ppm to 5% by mole fraction, highlights the dynamic nature of the Earth's atmosphere and the complex interplay between temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for studying Earth's climate and weather systems and for predicting future changes in our planet's atmosphere.
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Argon is used in light bulbs, double-pane windows, and preservation
The Earth's atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). Argon, an inert gas, is the third most prevalent gas, accounting for 0.93% of the atmosphere. Argon is widely used in various applications due to its unique properties, including its role in light bulbs, double-pane windows, and preservation.
Argon is commonly used in light bulbs due to its non-reactive nature. As an inert gas, Argon does not react with other elements or compounds, making it ideal for creating a stable environment within the bulb. This stability helps maintain the integrity of the light bulb and ensures consistent performance.
In double-pane windows, Argon is used as an insulating gas. The gas is pumped into the space between the two panes of glass, creating a layer of insulation that helps regulate temperature. Argon-filled windows offer improved energy efficiency compared to traditional air-filled windows. They reduce heat transfer, helping to keep the indoor space warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Additionally, Argon's insulating properties contribute to noise reduction, creating a more peaceful indoor environment.
Argon is also used in preservation, particularly in the food industry. Argon can displace oxygen, slowing the growth of unwanted bacteria, mould, and yeast that cause spoilage. This extends the shelf life of various food products, including meat, seafood, dairy, bread, fruits, vegetables, pasta, nuts, and snacks. By inhibiting oxidation and microbial growth, Argon helps maintain the freshness, flavour, and quality of these products.
The use of Argon in preservation goes beyond the food industry. It is also utilized in wine preservation, where a drop of Argon is placed in the headspace of a bottle or barrel before sealing. This inert gas displaces oxygen, preventing oxidation and maintaining the wine's freshness and flavour. Argon's ability to fight against browning and acidity contributes to preserving the pleasant taste of wine over time.
In summary, Argon, the third most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, finds versatile applications in lighting, insulation, and preservation. Its inert and non-reactive nature makes it a valuable resource in maintaining the quality and longevity of various products, from light bulbs to food items and beverages.
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Frequently asked questions
Oxygen (O2) is the second most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, constituting about 21% of it.
Nitrogen (N2) is the most abundant naturally occurring gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78% of the air.
The inert gas Argon (Ar) is the third most abundant gas, constituting 0.93% of Earth's atmosphere.
