Question

Name the two primary gases in the atmosphere.

Short answer

The two primary gases in the atmosphere are Nitrogen and Oxygen.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Atmospheric Composition

The Earth's atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding the planet, crucial for life and climate regulation. It consists of several gases, each present in different proportions. Our goal is to identify the two gases that make up the bulk of this mixture.

Identify the Most Abundant Gas

The most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere is Nitrogen, which accounts for approximately 78% of the atmosphere. Nitrogen is essential for life, as it is a major component of the proteins and nucleic acids in living organisms.

Identify the Second Most Abundant Gas

The second most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere is Oxygen, making up about 21% of the atmosphere. Oxygen is critical for respiration in most living organisms, which is essential for sustaining life on Earth.

Key concepts

nitrogen

Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, comprising approximately 78% of the total volume. This inert gas plays a significant role in biological and chemical processes. Although nitrogen is not directly usable by most living organisms in its gaseous state, it is a fundamental component of amino acids and nucleic acids, which form the building blocks of proteins and DNA, respectively.

This transformation from atmospheric nitrogen to metabolically accessible forms is predominantly facilitated by specialized bacteria in a process known as "nitrogen fixation." These bacteria can convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, a compound usable by plants to synthesize essential biomolecules. Plants, in turn, are consumed by animals, helping to propagate nitrogen through the food chain. This cyclical process ensures that nitrogen is regenerated and accessible within ecosystems worldwide.

Key points about nitrogen in the atmosphere include:

• Composes 78% of the atmosphere.
• Essential for making proteins and nucleic acids.
• Converted from gas into usable form by nitrogen fixation.

oxygen

Oxygen accounts for about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the second most abundant gas. It is indispensable for life, particularly in its role in cellular respiration, a process essential for generating energy in the cells of most organisms. Through respiration, oxygen supports the conversion of glucose into energy, effectively sustaining life.

The presence of oxygen in the atmosphere is primarily the result of photosynthesis. During this process, plants, algae, and certain bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This oxygen is then released into the atmosphere, supporting a vast array of life forms. The balance of oxygen is crucial as it influences not only biological but also geographical processes, such as combustion and the rusting of metals.

Summary of oxygen's atmospheric role:

• Constitutes 21% of the atmosphere.
• Crucial for respiration and energy production in cells.
• Primarily produced by photosynthesis.

atmosphere

The Earth's atmosphere is a fascinating and vital component of our planet, functioning as a protective blanket of gases that shields life from the sun's harmful radiation. It is composed predominantly of nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases, such as argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

This gaseous envelope also acts as a thermal regulator, maintaining moderate temperatures that support diverse ecosystems. It facilitates weather patterns, cloud formation, and precipitation, which are critical for the sustainability of life. Furthermore, the atmosphere plays an integral part in the Earth's environmental stability by maintaining pressure, which is needed to support liquid water at the surface—a key ingredient for life.

Fernandes about Earth's atmosphere:

• Protects life from solar radiation.
• Influences climate and weather systems.
• Supports breathable air and life-supportive conditions.