No, air is not just oxygen.
Air is a mixture of various gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen. While oxygen is a vital component, it only makes up a portion of the air we breathe.
Composition of Air
Here's a breakdown of the approximate composition of dry air in Earth's atmosphere:
- Nitrogen (N2): Approximately 78%
- Oxygen (O2): Approximately 21%
- Argon (Ar): Approximately 0.9%
- Other gases: Trace amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), neon (Ne), helium (He), hydrogen (H2), and other gases.
| Gas | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen | 78 |
| Oxygen | 21 |
| Argon | 0.9 |
| Other Gases | ~0.1 |
Why Nitrogen is Important
Nitrogen is crucial because it dilutes the oxygen concentration. Pure oxygen is highly reactive and can be dangerous. Nitrogen also plays an essential role in various biological and industrial processes.
Other Components
Air also contains variable amounts of water vapor, dust, pollen, and other particulate matter, depending on location and weather conditions.
Conclusion
Air is a complex mixture, with nitrogen being the most abundant gas, followed by oxygen. The presence of other gases and particles is also important for various environmental and biological processes.
