Which gas is the most abundant in dry air?

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which gas is the most abundant in dry air?

Explanation:
The main idea is the composition of dry air by volume. Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about four-fifths of the air (roughly 78%). It is very stable and largely unreactive, so it remains as N2 and isn’t removed or transformed as readily as other gases. Oxygen is the next most common, around 21%, but it’s less than nitrogen. The other gases, like argon and carbon dioxide, exist in only trace amounts (each well under 1%). So, nitrogen is the gas present in the greatest quantity in dry air.

The main idea is the composition of dry air by volume. Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about four-fifths of the air (roughly 78%). It is very stable and largely unreactive, so it remains as N2 and isn’t removed or transformed as readily as other gases. Oxygen is the next most common, around 21%, but it’s less than nitrogen. The other gases, like argon and carbon dioxide, exist in only trace amounts (each well under 1%). So, nitrogen is the gas present in the greatest quantity in dry air.

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