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Air Around Us - Composition of Air

Grade 6CBSE

Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.

🔑Concepts

Air is a mixture of several gases, water vapour, and dust particles.

Nitrogen (N2N_2) is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere, making up approximately 78%78\% of the air. It does not support burning.

Oxygen (O2O_2) makes up about 21%21\% of the air. It is essential for the survival of all living organisms and is required for the process of burning (combustion).

Carbon dioxide (CO2CO_2) makes up a very small component (about 0.03%0.03\% to 0.04%0.04\%) of the air. Plants use CO2CO_2 for photosynthesis and release O2O_2.

Water vapour (H2OH_2O) is present in varying amounts depending on the weather and location. Its presence is crucial for the water cycle.

Dust and smoke are also present in the air. The amount of dust varies from place to place and time to time.

The balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is maintained through photosynthesis by plants and respiration by plants and animals.

📐Formulae

Composition of Air78% Nitrogen (N2)+21% Oxygen (O2)+1% Other gases/vapour\text{Composition of Air} \approx 78\% \text{ Nitrogen } (N_2) + 21\% \text{ Oxygen } (O_2) + 1\% \text{ Other gases/vapour}

Photosynthesis: 6CO2+6H2OSunlightC6H12O6+6O2\text{Photosynthesis: } 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{\text{Sunlight}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2

Respiration: C6H12O6+6O26CO2+6H2O+Energy\text{Respiration: } C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{Energy}

💡Examples

Problem 1:

Calculate the approximate volume of Oxygen (O2O_2) present in 500 mL500\text{ mL} of air.

Solution:

Volume of Oxygen = 21% of 500 mL=21100×500=105 mL21\% \text{ of } 500\text{ mL} = \frac{21}{100} \times 500 = 105\text{ mL}.

Explanation:

Since Oxygen (O2O_2) constitutes 21%21\% of the air, we multiply the total volume of air by 0.210.21 to find the volume of oxygen.

Problem 2:

Why does a candle burning in a closed jar extinguish after some time?

Solution:

The candle extinguishes because the Oxygen (O2O_2) inside the jar is consumed during the process of combustion.

Explanation:

Burning requires Oxygen (O2O_2). In a closed jar, the supply of O2O_2 is limited. Once all the O2O_2 is converted into Carbon Dioxide (CO2CO_2) and other byproducts, the flame can no longer be sustained.

Problem 3:

How is the presence of water vapour (H2OH_2O) in air demonstrated?

Solution:

By placing ice-cold water in a glass; droplets of water appear on the outer surface of the glass.

Explanation:

When air comes in contact with a cool surface, the water vapour (H2OH_2O) present in it condenses into liquid water droplets. This proves that air contains moisture.

Composition of Air - Revision Notes & Key Formulas | CBSE Class 6 Science