Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

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What gas comprises the largest percentage of the Earth's atmosphere?

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Oxygen

  3. Argon

  4. Carbon Dioxide

The correct answer is: Nitrogen

Nitrogen comprises the largest percentage of the Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78% of it. This gas is essential for various biological processes, including the nitrogen cycle, which is crucial for plant growth and overall ecosystem health. Nitrogen's prevalence is significant, as it acts as a diluent in the atmosphere and contributes to maintaining stable temperatures by helping to regulate thermal energy. In contrast, oxygen, while vital for respiration in most life forms, accounts for only about 21% of the atmosphere. Argon is a noble gas that constitutes approximately 0.93%, and carbon dioxide, though important for regulating the Earth's climate and essential for photosynthesis, represents only about 0.04% of the atmosphere. Understanding the composition of the atmosphere is fundamental in fields such as environmental science, meteorology, and biology, as it impacts weather patterns, climate change, and life on Earth.