Grade 6
  1. Introduction to Chemistry  1.1. What is Chemistry?  1.2. Importance of chemistry in daily life  1.3. Branches of chemistry  1.4. Safety rules in chemistry laboratory  1.5. Common Laboratory Equipment and Their Uses
  2. Matter and its states  2.1. Definition of Matter  2.2. Properties of matter  2.3. States of matter  2.4. Solid state  2.5. Fluid state  2.6. Gaseous state  2.7. Plasma state  2.8. Changes in the states of matter  2.9. Melting and freezing  2.10. Evaporation and Condensation  2.11. Sublimation  2.12. Deposit
  3. Physical and chemical changes  3.1. Definition of Physical Change  3.2. Examples of physical change  3.3. Definition of Chemical Change  3.4. Examples of chemical change  3.5. Difference Between Physical and Chemical Changes  3.6. Indicators of Chemical Change
  4. Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures  4.1. Definition of the element  4.2. Classification of elements  4.3. Metals  4.4. Non metallic  4.5. Metalloids  4.6. Noble gases  4.7. Definition of compound  4.8. Properties of Compounds  4.9. Definition of Mixture  4.10. Types of mixtures  4.11. Homogeneous mixture  4.12. Heterogeneous mixtures
  5. Separation of mixtures  5.1. The need for isolation  5.2. Separation methods  5.3. Handpicking and winnowing  5.4. Filtration  5.5. Sedimentation and decantation  5.6. Evaporation  5.7. Crystallization  5.8. Distillation  5.9. Magnetic Separation  5.10. Chromatography
  6. Air and its composition  6.1. Components of air  6.2. Importance of Oxygen  6.3. The importance of nitrogen in the air and its composition  6.4. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere  6.5. The role of water vapor and other gases in air and its composition  6.6. Properties of Air  6.7. Uses of air  6.8. Air pollution and its effects
  7. Water and its properties  7.1. Importance of Water  7.2. Sources of water  7.3. Properties of water  7.4. Water as the universal solvent  7.5. Water Purification  7.6. Water purification methods (boiling, filtration, chlorination)  7.7. Water cycle  7.8. Water conservation  7.9. Water pollution and its effects
  8. Acids, Bases and Salts  8.1. Definition of Acid  8.2. Properties of Acids  8.3. Examples of Acids  8.4. Definition of Bases  8.5. Properties of bases  8.6. Examples of Bases  8.7. Definition of Salt  8.8. Neutralization reaction  8.9. pH Scale and Indicators  8.10. Uses of Acids, Bases and Salts
  9. Introduction to the Periodic Table  9.1. History of the Periodic Table  9.2. Arrangement of elements in the periodic table  9.3. Groups and periods  9.4. Importance of periodic table  9.5. First 10 elements and their symbols
  10. Metals and Nonmetals  10.1. Properties of Metals  10.2. Properties of Non-Metals  10.3. Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals  10.4. Uses of metals and nonmetals  10.5. Corrosion of metals and its prevention
  11. chemical reactions  11.1. Introduction to Chemical Reactions  11.2. Types of Chemical Reactions  11.3. combustion reaction  11.4. Oxidation and Reduction  11.5. Simple chemical equations  11.6. Rusting of iron
  12. Fuel and energy  12.1. Types of fuel  12.2. Fossil fuels  12.3. Renewable and non-renewable sources of energy  12.4. Energy Conservation  12.5. Alternative sources of energy (solar, wind, hydropower)
  13. Plastic and fiber  13.1. Natural and synthetic fibers  13.2. Properties of plastics  13.3. Advantages and disadvantages of plastic  13.4. Recycling of plastic  13.5. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials

Grade 6 → Air and its composition ↓


Importance of Oxygen


The air around us is a mixture of many gases, but one of the most important gases is oxygen. Oxygen is essential for life on Earth. In this lesson, we will explore why oxygen is important for different types of life, how it is distributed in the atmosphere, and what role it plays in the chemistry of air.

Composition of air

Before we discuss the importance of oxygen, let's understand the composition of air. The air we breathe is made up of several gases, and here is a simple description of its composition:

  • 78% Nitrogen (N 2)
  • 21% oxygen (O 2)
  • 0.93% Argon (Ar)
  • 0.04% Carbon dioxide (CO 2)
  • And remains of other gases have also been found, which include neon, helium, methane, krypton, hydrogen etc.

Of these gases, oxygen is particularly important because it is necessary for processes such as respiration and combustion. Without oxygen, life as we know it would not exist.

Why is oxygen important?

Oxygen is important for several reasons:

1. Breathing and respiration

All animals, including humans, need oxygen to breathe. When we breathe, oxygen enters our lungs and is then carried by the blood to all parts of the body. Here, it is used to convert food into energy, a process called cellular respiration.

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (ATP)

In this equation, glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) react to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy, which is stored in molecules called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Visual example: Imagine a tree whose leaves expand and contract as you breathe in and out, symbolizing the flow of oxygen.

2. Combustion

Oxygen is also necessary for combustion, which is the process of burning. Combustion is important because it is a source of energy, used in vehicles, power plants and cooking. For example, when you light a candle or fire, oxygen from the air combines with the wax or wood to release heat and light.

Fuel + O2 → CO2 + H2O + Heat

3. Environmental significance

Oxygen is needed for various processes in the ecosystem. It is important for the decomposition of organic matter by bacteria, which helps recycle nutrients in the environment.

Visual example: Imagine microorganisms surrounded by tiny bubbles, representing oxygen, helping to break down dead leaves in the soil.

4. Photosynthesis

Plants, algae and some bacteria perform photosynthesis, a process that uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2

This process not only provides food and energy for plants and the organisms that eat them, but it also replenishes oxygen in the atmosphere.

How oxygen delivery to the air works

Oxygen is widely spread throughout our atmosphere, although there are factors that affect its distribution. At higher altitudes, the air becomes thinner, which means less oxygen is available. This is why people who climb high mountains or fly to high altitudes need extra oxygen.

Visual example: Imagine a mountain in which oxygen levels appear to decrease as altitude increases.

high altitude Low Oxygen

Oxygen levels also vary in different areas around the world due to pollution and deforestation. Although the composition remains roughly the same, local conditions can affect air quality and oxygen availability.

Interesting facts about oxygen

  1. The mass of oxygen in the human body is about 65%, as it is a part of water, our most essential component.
  2. Oxygen in liquid form is light blue in colour and very cold, which is used for transportation and storage.
  3. Oxygen was discovered independently by Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestley in the 1770s.
  4. The name oxygen comes from the Greek word meaning "acid producer", because early scientists believed it was an essential part of all acids.

Protection and oxygenation

Considering the importance of oxygen, it is important that we try our best to preserve it and ensure that its presence remains stable. Activities such as conserving forests, reducing the use of fossil fuels, and adopting renewable energy can help maintain healthy oxygen levels in our atmosphere.

Conscious efforts to reduce pollution, protect green spaces and support clean energy initiatives are effective ways to safeguard our vital resource.

Conclusion

In conclusion, oxygen is an indispensable component of air, vital in supporting living organisms and environmental systems. Understanding the composition of air helps us understand the critical role oxygen plays in maintaining the delicate balance of our atmosphere and life processes.

By learning more about oxygen, its role, and its distribution, we become more aware of the need to protect our atmospheric resources for future generations.

Our understanding of oxygen and its vital importance gives us an appreciation for the natural processes that recycle oxygen and support life on Earth!


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Components of air
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Importance of Oxygen

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