PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
Nitrogen
Explanation
Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up approximately \( 78.08\% \) of its composition. Oxygen is the second most common gas at about \( 20.95\% \). Argon and carbon dioxide follow in much smaller percentages. Nitrogen is essential for life as a key component of amino acids and DNA.
Key Points
- > Nitrogen content: ~\( 78\% \).
- > Oxygen content: ~\( 21\% \).
- > Argon is the 3rd most abundant gas (\( 0.93\% \)).
- > Carbon dioxide concentration is roughly \( 0.04\% \).
- > Nitrogen is relatively inert at room temperature.
- > It acts as a diluent for oxygen in the air.
- > Essential for the Nitrogen cycle in ecosystems.
Additional Information
Atmospheric Composition
| Gas | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen | \( 78.08\% \) |
| Oxygen | \( 20.95\% \) |
| Argon | \( 0.93\% \) |
| Carbon Dioxide | \( 0.04\% \) |
Memory Tips
- Remember the sequence using the acronym NOAC: Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, Carbon Dioxide.