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Question
What is atmosphere? Explain its composition with the help of a pie diagram.
๐ Concept: 3.2 Composition of the Atmosphere
Space for a pie diagram of atmospheric composition.
Show Answer
The atmosphere is the blanket of gases around the Earth, made mostly of nitrogen and oxygen.
Explanation
- The atmosphere is a blanket of air surrounding the Earth, held by gravity.
- It is a mixture of gases in different proportions.
- Nitrogen makes up about 78% — the most abundant gas.
- Oxygen makes up about 21%.
- Argon (0.93%) and carbon dioxide (0.04%) are next.
- Other gases, water vapour and dust make up the rest.
- In a pie diagram, nitrogen and oxygen together fill almost the whole circle.
Draw one large slice for nitrogen, a smaller one for oxygen, and thin slivers for the rest.
