Elements
found in
the Earth’s
Atmosphere
What’s the most abundant element?
 http://video.about.com/chemistry/What-Isthe-Most-Abundant-Element-.htm
Notetaking –
if it’s in white, then you need to write!!
 Atmosphere: the layer of gases
surrounding Earth.
 Held in place by the force (pull) of
Earth’s gravity.
 Our atmosphere reflects a great
deal of the Sun’s radiant energy,
protecting Earth from harmful levels
of radiation.
 The atmosphere is made up largely of
two elements.
 Nitrogen = 78% of the atmosphere.
 Oxygen = 21% of our atmosphere.
 When asked if the atmosphere is made
mostly of Oxygen…the correct reply is
NO!
Get it?
NO = Nitrogen (N) first at 78%
Oxygen (O) second at 21%
Trace Elements
 Small amounts of other elements
are also present in our air.
 Final 1 % of the atmosphere is filled
with several other gases
 Two important compounds…
– water vapor (H2O)
– Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Importance of Atmosphere Elements
 Elements found in the atmosphere are
very important to all living organisms.
 Nitrogen (N) is important for
supporting plant life. In fact, Nitrogen
(N) is found in fertilizers.
 Both plants and animals alike must
have water (H2O) to live.
Greenhouse Gas
 In addition to the gas Nitrogen, plants
also need Carbon Dioxide (CO2),
which is also a gas.
 Carbon Dioxide is also known as a
greenhouse gas.
 Gases like this can contribute to
Global Warming – the heating of our
planet due to gases trapping heat.
Draw the Pie Graph Below
 Refer back to
your notes to
label the 2 most
elements.
 Include the title!
Earth’s Atmosphere Video
 Click the link below to watch a video
describing the earth’s crust and structure.
 http://www.brainpop.com/science/earthsyste
m/earthsatmosphere/
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