Yes, air is called gas because it is primarily composed of gases.
Composition of Air
According to the provided reference, air is a mixture of different gases. Here's a breakdown of its main components:
- Nitrogen (N2): Approximately 78% of air is nitrogen gas.
- Oxygen (O2): About 21% of air is oxygen gas, which is essential for breathing.
- Other Gases: Air also contains small amounts of other gases like carbon dioxide, neon, and hydrogen.
Gas | Percentage |
---|---|
Nitrogen (N2) | 78% |
Oxygen (O2) | 21% |
Other Gases | 1% |
Why Air Is Considered a Gas
Air is considered a gas because it possesses the characteristics of a gas:
- It does not have a fixed shape or volume.
- It can be compressed and expanded.
- Its particles move freely.
Therefore, because air is made up of a mixture of gases and exhibits the characteristics of a gas, it is correct to call air a gas.