Gases in the atmosphere
I am able to name the main gases in the atmosphere and describe the test and some uses for each one.
Gases in the atmosphere
I am able to name the main gases in the atmosphere and describe the test and some uses for each one.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- About 79% of the atmosphere is nitrogen gas that is very unreactive.
- Nitrogen gas is often used to fill food packaging to provide an unreactive atmosphere.
- About 20% of the atmosphere is oxygen.
- The test for oxygen gas is that it relights a glowing splint.
- The test for carbon dioxide gas is that it forms a white precipitate that turns limewater milky.
Common misconception
The atmosphere is mostly oxygen.
Explain that the atmosphere is ~79% nitrogen and ~20% oxygen.
Keywords
Atmosphere - The atmosphere is a layer of gas that surrounds a planet. It may contain small amounts of solid and liquid particles.
Mixture - A mixture is a material that contains two or more different substances, which can be physically separated.
Respiration - Respiration is a chemical process that uses oxygen from the air, and glucose to provide energy for life processes.
Precipitate - A precipitate is an insoluble solid formed when two solutions react together.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
contains different substances, which can be physically separated
made from only one type of atom
contains different elements chemically joined together