Have you ever considered what air is? And what is the importance of air? We hardly think about the uses of air and its properties of air. But if you want to increase your wisdom and knowledge about the air, then you must check out this article. So, do you know which is the most important component of air? No? Then read on to find out.
1. What do You get from Air?
Air is a collection of various types of gases. It contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% of other gases like carbon dioxide, neon, and hydrogen. These gases build our Earth’s atmosphere. Moreover, when the wind blows, it collects tiny particles of pollen and dust that are also known as aerosols. Other particles and gases that we get from the air are smoke, soot, and harmful polluted gases, collected from vehicles and factories.
2. What is the Characteristic of Air?
The characteristics of air are the following:
- Air molecules can be moved closer to each other if they are compressed. Also, the molecules of air can expand infinitely to fill a space if there is no force used for compression.
- The temperature and pressure of air/gas determine how much volume gas will occupy.
- Air also contains moisture.
- The air does not have any shape.
3. What are the Five Properties of Air?
The importance of air can be discussed through the five properties of air:
- Air is a collection of water vapour, different types of gases, and dust particles.
- Air has the ability to exert pressure.
- As per scientific experiments, air is a matter that occupies space and also has mass.
- Air has no odour or colour.
4. What is the Importance of Air?
Air contains an important gas called oxygen, which is vital for the survival of all living things on Earth. Air helps us to breathe. Humans, animals, and many animal and bird species inhale oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Plants use carbon dioxide present in the air, H2O, and sunlight for photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants make chemical energy for survival. Also, to conclude the importance of air, note that it offers humans, animals, plants, and other living organisms the energy to breathe, eat and grow.
5. What are the Uses of Air?
The following points are some of the main uses of air:
- Air is useful for the respiration process to continue in humans, animals, plants, and other living organisms. When we inhale air, it enters through our nostrils and goes to our lungs where it gets absorbed by the blood capillaries, and then we exhale carbon dioxide (CO2). This CO2 gas is absorbed by trees and plants for photosynthesis and respiration. Nitrogen present in the air is also useful for plants and trees.
- The presence of oxygen in the air aids in combustion. It helps to generate heat and electricity. Without the presence of oxygen, you cannot produce fire, which is useful for cooking, carrying out factory and industry work, and running vehicles.
- Air maintains and balances Earth’s temperature by circulating cold and hot air throughout the surface of the planet.
- The water vapour cycle phenomena, i.e., the oceans, lakes, and other water bodies getting heated up by sunlight and evaporating in the air as water vapour, becoming clouds, and then pouring back. Air helps to carry out this whole process.
- Air supplies energy to living organisms. The living cells absorb and extract oxygen from within the blood cells and produce energy in ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) form.
6. What is the Most Important Component of Air?
Nitrogen and oxygen are the two most crucial elements in the air. Nitrogen is 78% and oxygen is 21% present in Earth’s atmosphere. Other gases that are present in the Earth’s atmosphere are CO2, methane, neon, and more. Read How many Oxygen Atoms are in SiO2?
7. What will Happen if there is No Air?
The importance of air explains how we are totally dependent on the components of air and the lack of air will destroy all life forms on Earth. No air means no oxygen and it will eradicate humans, animals, and micro-organisms within minutes. Plants and trees which absorb carbon dioxide from the air will not be able to use it for respiration and photosynthesis either. Also, a lack of oxygen will rapidly deplete the ozone layer (i.e., O3) that protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Most importantly, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and lack of atmosphere will soon make the Earth an inhabitable planet.
8. What is the Importance of Water?
The five most important uses of water are the following:
- Water not only satiates your thirst but also saves your body from dehydration. As dehydration can cause constipation, severe mood swings, kidney stones, and overheating of your system,
- Water keeps our eyes and skin moist. It also regulates our body temperature.
- Water helps plants during photosynthesis, as plants use the sun’s energy to make food. In this process, plants use the hydrogen from stored water in their roots to absorb CO2 from the air, and oxygen is released as a by-product. Plants use stomas, which are tiny pores on the leaves, to exchange CO2 and O2.
- Water exists in solid form (ice), liquid form (rivers and oceans), and gas form (water vapour). Water is the most important thing on this planet, and life always finds its way into it. For instance, microbes.
Hence, water helps us perform our day-to-day activities and air is the reason we are alive. (Also read What Provides Immediate Energy?)
