What are the main components of air?

The main components of air are nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases.

Air is a mixture of gases that makes up the Earth's atmosphere. The most abundant gas in the atmosphere is nitrogen, which accounts for about 78% of the total volume. Nitrogen is a diatomic molecule, meaning it consists of two nitrogen atoms bonded together. It is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is relatively inert, meaning it does not readily react with other substances.

The second most abundant gas in the atmosphere is oxygen, which makes up about 21% of the total volume. Like nitrogen, oxygen is also a diatomic molecule. It is essential for most forms of life on Earth because it is used in the process of respiration, where it is used to break down glucose and release energy.

Argon is the third most abundant gas in the atmosphere, making up about 0.93% of the total volume. It is a noble gas, meaning it is very stable and does not readily react with other substances. Argon is used in various industrial applications, such as in light bulbs and in welding.

Carbon dioxide makes up about 0.04% of the atmosphere. Despite its relatively small concentration, it plays a crucial role in the Earth's climate because it is a greenhouse gas, meaning it absorbs and emits infrared radiation, contributing to global warming.

In addition to these main components, the atmosphere also contains trace amounts of other gases, such as neon, helium, methane, krypton, and hydrogen, as well as water vapour. The exact composition of air can vary depending on factors such as location, altitude, and weather conditions.