What is the most common element found in Earth's atmosphere?

Study for the DAT Quantitative Reasoning Test with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Hone your skills and get ready for your exam!

The most common element found in Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen. This gas makes up about 78% of the atmosphere, making it the predominant component. Nitrogen is essential for life on Earth, playing a key role in various biological processes, but it does not support combustion.

While oxygen is also a significant component of the atmosphere, comprising approximately 21%, it is not as abundant as nitrogen. Carbon dioxide is present in much smaller quantities, around 0.04%, and plays a critical role in processes like photosynthesis and in regulating Earth's temperature. Helium is a trace gas in the atmosphere, contributing only a minuscule fraction.

The high abundance of nitrogen relative to other gases is a fundamental aspect of atmospheric chemistry and is important for understanding air composition and behavior.

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