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Is air called gas?

Published in Air Composition 1 min read

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.