THE AIR

Definition of air

Air is the Earth's atmosphere, which is the upper layer of the earth which is made of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases as well as varying amounts of water vapour. 

Composition of gases in the air

The air around us which we breathe in made up of two (2) main gases which are 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen and other gases in a very little amount which are  0.9% argon, 0.04% carbon dioxide, and very small amounts of other gases. There is an average of about 1% water vapour.

Advantages of air

Ø Air contains oxygen which is very important of animal’s brains and body cells. This needs a steady supply of oxygen for normal functioning.

Ø Plants make used of carbon dioxide in the air to produce carbohydrate and oxygen. This process is called photosynthesis.

Ø Fast moving air called wind can be used to generate electricity by the use of windmills.

Ø Air helps in protecting us from solar radiation, cosmic rays and other particles that bombard the planet.

Ø Air (ozone layer) helps reduce the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation that reaches the surface.

Disadvantages of air

Ø Fast moving wind like tornado, strong wind, and hurricane can be very destructive.

Ø Air can transport dust and other toxic gases which is harmful to all living things.

Ø Air can also transfer disease (airborne diseases).

Ø Hot air in the surrounding can the environment very hot which can cases discomfort.