The air we breathe is composed of several gases, with oxygen (O2) being a vital component for life. According to the composition of environmental air, the amount of oxygen in the air is approximately 21%.
Composition of Air
Here’s a breakdown of the typical composition of dry air:
| Gas | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N2) | 78% |
| Oxygen (O2) | 21% |
| Argon (Ar) | 1% |
| Other Gases | Trace |
Other gases can include:
- Carbon dioxide
- Neon
- Methane
- Helium
- Krypton
- Hydrogen
- Xenon
- Ozone
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Iodine
- Carbon monoxide
- Ammonia
The 21% oxygen level is crucial for supporting respiration in most living organisms, as well as combustion processes. Minor variations can occur based on location and environmental conditions.
