We breathe a mixture of gases, not a single formula, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases.
Composition of Inhaled Air
The air we inhale is not just one element but a complex mix of different gases. The approximate percentages of these gases are as follows:
- Nitrogen (N₂): About 78%
- Oxygen (O₂): About 21%
- Other Gases: About 1% (including argon, neon, helium, methane, krypton, and hydrogen)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): About 0.04%
Detailed Breakdown:
| Gas | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N₂) | 78% |
| Oxygen (O₂) | 21% |
| Other Gases | 1% |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | 0.04% |
Importance of Each Gas
- Oxygen: The key gas for human respiration, essential for cellular energy production. Our body uses oxygen in a process called aerobic respiration to generate energy.
- Nitrogen: Although not directly used in respiration, nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the air we breathe. It acts as a filler and helps maintain the correct partial pressure of oxygen.
- Carbon Dioxide: While only a small fraction of inhaled air, carbon dioxide is a crucial by-product of cellular respiration and plays a role in regulating breathing. The amount we exhale is significantly higher than the amount we inhale.
How These Gases Impact Us
- The high percentage of nitrogen ensures that the partial pressure of oxygen is just right, enabling us to extract what we need for survival.
- The precise mixture of gases allows for efficient gas exchange in the lungs, ensuring our body receives enough oxygen and expels excess carbon dioxide.
