The Earth’s atmosphere is primarily made up of two gases: nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen accounts for about 78% of the atmosphere, while oxygen makes up about 21%. These two gases are essential for life as we know it.
Nitrogen is an inert gas that plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall stability of the atmosphere. It does not easily react with other substances, allowing it to serve as a buffer for the more reactive gases present. On the other hand, oxygen is vital for respiration in most living organisms, supporting the process of cellular respiration that produces energy.
Understanding the composition of the atmosphere is important for numerous fields, including environmental science, meteorology, and health sciences. The balance of these gases is critical for sustaining life and maintaining the Earth’s climate.