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 ↓


Uses of air


Air is an essential element that surrounds us and plays a vital role in our daily lives. It is a mixture of gases, composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, with traces of other gases such as carbon dioxide, argon, and water vapor. In this detailed description, we will explore the various uses of air in our lives and its importance in various fields.

Composition of air

Before knowing about the uses of air, let us understand its composition in detail. Air is made up of various gases, which mainly include:

  • Nitrogen (N2): Air contains about 78% nitrogen. It is an inert gas, meaning it does not easily react with other elements. Nitrogen acts as a stable medium in which other gases can exist.
  • Oxygen (O2): Oxygen makes up about 21% of the air. It is vital for the existence of most life on Earth because it is used in the process of respiration.
  • Argon (Ar): Argon makes up about 0.9% of the air. It is an inert gas used in some industrial applications.
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide, present in trace amounts (about 0.04%), is important for plant life because it is used in photosynthesis.
  • Other gases: Small amounts of neon, helium, methane, krypton, hydrogen, and water vapor are also present in the air.

Let's represent this construction visually:

        <svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300">
            <circle cx="150" cy="150" r="100" fill="#FFCC00" stroke="black" stroke-width="1" />
            <path d="M150 50 A 100 100 0 0 1 250 150 L 150 150 Z" fill="#FF6633" stroke="black" stroke-width="1" />
            <path d="M250 150 A 100 100 0 0 1 210 220 L 150 150 Z" fill="#33FF66" stroke="black" stroke-width="1" />
            <path d="M210 220 A 100 100 0 0 1 90 220 L 150 150 Z" fill="#3366FF" stroke="black" stroke-width="1" />
            <path d="M90 220 A 100 100 0 0 1 50 150 L 150 150 Z" fill="#CC00CC" stroke="black" stroke-width="1" />
        </svg>

Respiration

Respiration is one of the most important uses of air. All living things, including humans, animals and plants, depend on oxygen to survive. During respiration, oxygen moves into the lungs where it is used to release energy from food. This process is essential for all cellular activities.

For example, when you jog or run, your muscles need more energy. Your breathing rate increases to supply more oxygen to your body, which helps your muscles produce the energy they need.

Photosynthesis

Plants use air to make their own food in the process of photosynthesis. They take carbon dioxide from the air and turn it into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process not only provides food for the plant but also releases oxygen back into the atmosphere, which is essential for the survival of other living creatures.

A chemical equation showing the process of photosynthesis is as follows:

        6CO 2 + 6H 2 O + sunlight → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2

Combustion

Combustion, or burning, is another major use of air, particularly oxygen. It provides the elements necessary to support a fire. Combustion is a chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen, resulting in the production of heat and light. This process is used in a variety of applications such as cooking, heating, and powering engines.

For example, in automobiles, the combustion of gasoline with oxygen from the air releases energy that propels the car. This is represented in the basic combustion equation for gasoline:

        2C 8 H 18 + 25O 2 → 16CO 2 + 18H 2 O

Industry

Air is used extensively in many industrial processes. Oxygen and nitrogen are particularly important. Oxygen is used in steelmaking and in the manufacture of chemicals. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is used to create an inert atmosphere for oxygen-sensitive processes.

  • Liquid nitrogen: Used to freeze and preserve food and biological materials.
  • Compressed air: Used in factories for pneumatic tools, painting, and cleaning.
  • Chemical manufacturing: Oxygen is used to oxidize raw materials to produce products such as nitric acid.

Weather and climate

Wind plays an important role in weather patterns and climate. The movement and temperature of air masses affect weather conditions. High pressure areas bring clear weather, while low pressure areas can cause storms and rainfall.

In addition, the composition of the air also affects the climate. An increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

Sound transmission

Air is the medium that allows sound to travel. Sound waves move through air by vibrating air molecules. Without air or any other medium, we would not be able to hear sounds because they cannot travel through a vacuum.

For example, when you clap, the sound you hear is caused by the vibrations traveling through the air to your ears.

Life support systems

In confined environments such as submarines and spacecraft, air quality must be carefully managed. Oxygen is provided and carbon dioxide removed to maintain a breathable atmosphere for humans and animals.

Similar systems are used in hospitals for life support machines that help patients with difficulty breathing.

Aquatic life

Aquatic life also depends on air, as oxygen is dissolved in water bodies. Fishes and other aquatic organisms take in dissolved oxygen through their gills for respiration.

Maintaining the right levels of dissolved oxygen is essential for the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Transportation

Air is essential for various modes of transportation. Planes rely on the principles of aerodynamics to stay in the air. The shape of airplane wings creates lift by manipulating the pressure and flow of air.

In addition, airplanes and helicopters use controlled air flow for lift and propulsion.

Recreational activities

Many recreational activities depend on the wind, including hot air ballooning and paragliding. These activities use the properties of air pressure and temperature to provide lift and speed.

For example, in a hot air balloon, the balloon rises because the air inside it heats up, making it less dense than the cooler air outside, enabling it to float.

Cooling and ventilation

Air is used in cooling systems, such as air conditioners and fans, that help control temperatures in living and working spaces. Proper ventilation systems are also important for maintaining air quality by circulating fresh air and removing pollutants.

Agriculture

Wind is vital for agriculture. Soil must be properly aerated to promote root growth, and plants need carbon dioxide. Additionally, wind currents help distribute pollen, which aids in plant reproduction.

Scientific exploration

Air can be used for scientific exploration and experiments, such as studying aerodynamics in wind tunnels or understanding atmospheric conditions in meteorology.

        <svg width="300" height="150" viewBox="0 0 300 150">
            <line x1="0" y1="75" x2="300" y2="75" stroke="blue" stroke-width="3" marker-end="url(#arrowhead)" />
            <rect x="100" y="50" width="100" height="50" fill="gray" />
            <defs>
                <marker id="arrowhead" markerWidth="10" markHeight="7" refX="0" refY="3.5" orient="auto">
                    <polygon points="0 0, 10 3.5, 0 7" fill="blue" />
                </marker>
            </defs>
        </svg>

This illustration shows a simple wind tunnel test, in which air is blown over a small object to study its aerodynamic properties.

Conclusion

Air is a vital component of life on Earth, and its use is widespread across a variety of sectors. From supporting life processes and aiding in industrial applications to shaping weather and aiding in transportation, air plays a multifaceted role in our world. Understanding its composition and functionality helps us understand how it affects our daily lives and the environment.


Grade 6 → 6.7


U
username
0%
completed in Grade 6

← Prev (6.6)
Properties of Air
Next (6.8) →
Air pollution and its effects

Comments 



Uses of air

https://www.chemistryelite.com/g6/6.7?ceal=en