What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?

The most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen, comprising about 78% of the atmosphere by volume. This large percentage makes nitrogen the primary component of the air we breathe. Its abundance plays a crucial role in various atmospheric processes and serves as an inert gas, meaning it does not readily react with other substances. While oxygen is essential for life and accounts for about 21% of the atmosphere, it is less prevalent than nitrogen. The other gases listed, such as carbon dioxide and argon, are present in trace amounts, which is why they do not surpass nitrogen in abundance. Understanding the composition of Earth's atmosphere helps to grasp various environmental processes, including weather patterns and the greenhouse effect.