Which gas makes up approximately 78 percent of Earth's atmosphere?

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Multiple Choice

Which gas makes up approximately 78 percent of Earth's atmosphere?

Explanation:
Understanding the composition of Earth's atmosphere by volume is what this item probes. Nitrogen is the most abundant gas, making up roughly 78 percent of dry air at the surface. Oxygen is the next most plentiful, about 21 percent, and the rest of the gases—including argon and carbon dioxide—occur only in trace amounts. Therefore, the figure 78 percent points to nitrogen as the correct answer. Keep in mind these values refer to dry air at sea level; when humidity is higher, water vapor adds a little more volume and can slightly reduce the relative share of nitrogen, but nitrogen still dominates the mix.

Understanding the composition of Earth's atmosphere by volume is what this item probes. Nitrogen is the most abundant gas, making up roughly 78 percent of dry air at the surface. Oxygen is the next most plentiful, about 21 percent, and the rest of the gases—including argon and carbon dioxide—occur only in trace amounts. Therefore, the figure 78 percent points to nitrogen as the correct answer. Keep in mind these values refer to dry air at sea level; when humidity is higher, water vapor adds a little more volume and can slightly reduce the relative share of nitrogen, but nitrogen still dominates the mix.

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