What is the composition of the atmosphere?
The atmosphere is not just made of one gas but is a mixture of gases and they are present in different proportions. Nitrogen tops the chart by being the most abundantly found gas in the atmosphere followed by oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide and traces of other gases.
Why is the atmosphere important?
Life on earth depends on the atmosphere. Let us see how.
- The atmosphere consists of oxygen which is important for living organisms. Without oxygen, life on earth would be
- Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is used by plants to make their food during the process of photosynthesis. Even the marine animals use carbonate compounds to make their shells.
- Nitrogen too is an important gas. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants and a significant component of proteins. Protein is needed by animals to grow, reproduce and survive.
- The atmosphere plays a very important role in climate control. It’s the atmosphere which helps to regulate the temperature. As air is a bad conductor of heat, it helps to keep the temperature steady by helping the temperature to transform
The atmosphere on Venus and Mars
Carbon dioxide forms a major part of the atmospheric gas composition on Venus and Mars. Hence, humans and plants cannot survive easily on these planets.
What are the temperature conditions on the Moon?
Because of the absence of an atmosphere, there is a wide range of temperature difference on the moon. The day temperature of the moon can be as high as a hundred and ten degree Celsius while the night temperature can drop up to negative one hundred and ninety degree Celsius.