Which is the percentage of carbon gas in the atmosphere in the earth?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (a) 0.0003

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the Earth's atmosphere is approximately 0.0003%, which is equivalent to 300 parts per million (ppm). This reflects the naturally occurring percentage of CO₂ in the atmosphere under stable pre-industrial conditions.

Key Features of Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere:

Composition of Earth's Atmosphere:

• The Earth's atmosphere is primarily made up of:

• Nitrogen (N₂): ~78%

• Oxygen (O₂): ~21%

• Argon (Ar): ~0.93%

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): ~0.0003%

Role of Carbon Dioxide:

• Though a trace gas, CO₂ is crucial for the greenhouse effect, which maintains Earth's temperature balance.

• It is essential for photosynthesis, where plants convert CO₂ and sunlight into glucose and oxygen.

Stability and Natural Sources:

• Before industrialization, CO₂ levels remained relatively stable at 0.0003%.

• Natural sources of CO₂ include volcanic activity, respiration by organisms, and organic matter decomposition.

Significance of CO₂ Levels:

• Maintaining CO₂ at natural levels (0.0003%) is essential for Earth’s climatic stability.

• Understanding historical CO₂ concentrations helps scientists model climate change and its effects.

Additional Information:

Composition of the Earth's Atmosphere

The Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases, including argon, carbon dioxide, and various noble gases. Below is a detailed breakdown of the major and minor components:

Major Gases:

• Nitrogen (N2​):

• Percentage: ~78%

• Role:

• Inert gas, providing stability to the atmosphere.

• Essential for the nitrogen cycle, supporting plant and animal life indirectly.

• Source: Volcanic eruptions, decaying organic matter, and biological nitrogen fixation.

• Oxygen (O2​):

• Percentage: ~21%

• Role:

• Vital for respiration in living organisms.

• Supports combustion.

• Source: Produced by photosynthesis in plants and phytoplankton.

• Argon (Ar):

• Percentage: ~0.93%

• Role:

• Inert noble gas with minimal chemical reactivity.

• Used industrially (e.g., in welding and fluorescent lighting).

• Source: Decay of radioactive potassium in the Earth's crust.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2​):

• Percentage: ~0.04% (400 ppm)

• Role:

• Greenhouse gas critical for maintaining Earth's temperature.

• Essential for photosynthesis in plants.

• Source: Respiration, volcanic activity, combustion of fossil fuels, and deforestation.

Trace Gases:

• Neon (Ne):

• Percentage: ~0.0018%

• Role:

• Inert gas, used in neon lighting.

• Source: Produced during the formation of the solar system.

• Helium (He):

• Percentage: ~0.0005%

• Role:

• Inert gas used in cryogenics and helium balloons.

• Source: Radioactive decay of elements in the Earth's crust.

• Methane (CH4​):

• Percentage: ~0.0002%

• Role:

• Potent greenhouse gas.

• Contributes to global warming.

• Source: Decomposition of organic matter, agriculture (especially livestock), and fossil fuel extraction.

• Krypton (Kr):

• Percentage: ~0.0001%

• Role:

• Inert gas used in lighting and photography.

• Source: Natural radioactive decay.

• Hydrogen (H2​):

• Percentage: ~0.00005%

• Role:

• Lightest gas, used industrially and in research.

• Source: Volcanic activity and biological processes.

• Ozone (O3):

• Percentage: Variable, concentrated in the ozone layer (~10 ppm).

• Role:

• Protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

• Absorbs UV-B and UV-C rays.

• Source: Photochemical reactions involving oxygen in the stratosphere.