Approximately what percentage of air is composed of nitrogen at sea level?

The correct answer is that approximately 79% of the air we breathe at sea level is composed of nitrogen. This high percentage is due to nitrogen being the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere.

While oxygen makes up about 21% of the atmosphere, nitrogen plays a crucial role as it provides stability to the atmosphere and is essential for many chemical processes. The remaining small fraction of gases includes argon, carbon dioxide, and trace gases. Understanding the composition of air is essential in fields like environmental science, meteorology, and biology, as it impacts both living organisms and climatic conditions.

Recognizing the specific percentages of gases helps illustrate the balance in our atmosphere and underscores the importance of nitrogen in various ecological and biological functions.