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Importance of Atmospheric Gases

The Earth's atmosphere contains numerous gases, each of which has an effect on the success of our planet's organisms.

Nitrogen

  • Nitrogen is a key component of proteins, which are essential for growth.
  • Whilst it is abundant in the atmosphere, the producers found at the base of food chains are not able to exploit this source. Instead, they must absorb nitrogen in the form of soluble nitrates from the soil.

Oxygen

  • Oxygen is a reactant in respiration - a chemical reaction that takes place in all living cells.
  • As humans, we breathe oxygen into our lungs. From here, it diffuses into our blood and is carried to all the cells in our body.

Carbon dioxide and water vapour

  • Carbon dioxide and water vapour are greenhouse gases.
  • Greenhouse gases absorb and then re-radiate heat energy that is reflected off the Earth's surface. This is known as the greenhouse effect.
  • If the greenhouse effect is too strong, it can lead to global warming.
Jump to other topics
1

States of Matter

2

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3

Atomic Structure

4

The Periodic Table

5

Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6

Bonding

7

Electrolysis

8

Groups of the Periodic Table

9

The Atmosphere

10

Reactivity Series

11

Metal Extraction

12

Acids & Alkalis

13

Chemical Tests

14

Physical Chemistry

15

Organic Chemistry

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