What is the main component of Earth's atmosphere?

The main component of Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen, which makes up about 78% of the atmosphere's volume. This is significant because nitrogen serves as a stable, inert gas that does not react easily with other substances. Its predominance plays a crucial role in maintaining atmospheric pressure and supporting life processes indirectly.

Oxygen, while essential for respiration in many living organisms, constitutes only about 21% of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide and argon are present in even smaller amounts, with carbon dioxide being vital for the greenhouse effect and the carbon cycle, but they do not compare to the abundance of nitrogen. Argon is a noble gas that makes up about 0.93% of the atmosphere. Understanding the composition of atmospheric gases helps in studying weather patterns, climate change, and various ecological processes.