Grade 7 → Air and atmosphere ↓
Importance of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
Air is a mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and is essential for life. One of the primary components of air is oxygen, and another important component is carbon dioxide. Both gases play a vital role in the environment and in various chemical processes that sustain life.
Understanding the composition of air
Air contains about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and about 0.03% carbon dioxide. The remaining percentage consists of other gases and water vapor. Let's take a look at these gases and find out the important roles of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Oxygen: The essential breath of life
Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is essential for the survival of most living organisms. Oxygen is required for the respiratory process that takes place in all living cells.
Respiration
Respiration is the process by which cells obtain energy. In this, energy is produced by breaking down glucose with the help of oxygen. This energy is required for various cellular functions. The chemical equation for this process is:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
This shows that glucose (C6H12O6
) combines with oxygen (O2
) to form carbon dioxide (CO2
), water (H2O
) and energy. This energy is used by the cells to perform their functions.
Visual example: Respiratory process
Other uses of oxygen
Oxygen is also used in a variety of industrial processes, such as steelmaking, welding, and the manufacture of chemicals such as ammonia and methanol. Additionally, it is important for medical treatments where patients require additional oxygen, such as anesthesia or respiratory disorders.
Carbon dioxide: A vital gas for life and climate
Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas that is present in very small quantities in the atmosphere. Despite its low concentration, it has a significant impact on life and environmental processes.
Photosynthesis
Plants produce glucose and oxygen using carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis. This process is important for providing energy to plants and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere for animals and humans to breathe. The chemical formula for photosynthesis is:
6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6O2
This equation shows how plants take in carbon dioxide and water, and make glucose and oxygen using sunlight. Photosynthesis is the foundation of food chains in ecosystems.
Visual example: Photosynthesis
Effects on climate
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect. It's important for keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life, but increasing carbon dioxide levels can lead to climate change.
Carbon dioxide in the oceans
The oceans absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps maintain balance in the global carbon cycle, but it can also lead to acidification of the oceans, affecting marine life.
Equation for dissolving carbon dioxide in water
CO2 (g) + H2O (l) → H2CO3 (aq)
When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid — a weak acid that affects the pH of the water.
Industrial and domestic use
Carbon dioxide is used in a variety of applications, such as the carbonation of soft drinks, as a refrigerant in the form of dry ice, and in fire extinguishers.
Balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide
The balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is very important. Oxygen supports life processes through respiration, while carbon dioxide provides the raw material necessary for photosynthesis, closing the cycle and sustaining life on Earth.
Human activities and their impact
Human activities such as industrialization, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels can upset this delicate balance, increasing carbon dioxide levels, which contributes to global warming and climate change.
Measures and protection
Efforts to reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy and promote reforestation are essential to maintain the balance of these gases and protect the environment.
Closing thoughts
Oxygen and carbon dioxide are fundamental gases that are vital for life on Earth. Understanding their role and maintaining their balance is important for the environment and future generations.