L01 Composition of the atmosphere (dry air)
Aim: To show which gases are present in an uncontaminated atmosphere |
The main components of the atmosphere at sea level are nitrogen and oxygen (4/5 and 1/5 of the volume, respectively). Other components are present in much lower concentrations. The concentration of water vapour is not given in the slide because it varies so strongly, the value always lying between 0 and 2% by volume.
With the exception of CO2, the gases which cause environmental problems are only present in very low concentrations in the atmosphere. They can, however, cause environmental damage due to their higher reactivity and/or the incidence of high local concentrations.
