9.1.1

Gases in the Air

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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

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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