What is the major component of the Earth's atmosphere?

What is the major component of the Earth's atmosphere?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Carbon dioxide
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Argon

Answer: (C)

The major component of the Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen, which constitutes about 78% of the atmosphere by volume. This abundance makes nitrogen a crucial gas in various atmospheric processes, including the nitrogen cycle, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance. Despite the presence of oxygen and other gases that support life, nitrogen's predominant role is often overlooked. Oxygen, while essential for respiration, accounts for approximately 21% of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is present only in trace amounts, around 0.04%, but is significant due to its role in climate regulation and photosynthesis. Argon, another component, exists in about 0.93% of the atmosphere and does not play a significant role in biological processes. Understanding the composition of the atmosphere is fundamental for studying various environmental and ecological phenomena.

The major component of the Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen, which constitutes about 78% of the atmosphere by volume. This abundance makes nitrogen a crucial gas in various atmospheric processes, including the nitrogen cycle, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance. Despite the presence of oxygen and other gases that support life, nitrogen's predominant role is often overlooked. Oxygen, while essential for respiration, accounts for approximately 21% of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is present only in trace amounts, around 0.04%, but is significant due to its role in climate regulation and photosynthesis. Argon, another component, exists in about 0.93% of the atmosphere and does not play a significant role in biological processes. Understanding the composition of the atmosphere is fundamental for studying various environmental and ecological phenomena.