Correct Answer: nitrogen.
the earth's atmosphere is a complex blend of gases that envelop the planet, playing crucial roles in supporting life and maintaining ecological balance. among these gases, the most abundant by far is nitrogen.
nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the earth's atmosphere by volume. this is followed by oxygen, which accounts for about 21%, and argon, which makes up around 0.93%. other gases, including carbon dioxide, neon, and helium, are present in much smaller amounts.
nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas under standard conditions. it does not react easily with other substances, which is why it is so abundant in the atmosphere. despite being chemically unreactive, nitrogen plays a vital role in the biosphere. it is an essential component of amino acids and proteins, and the nitrogen cycle is a key process that circulates nitrogen through the biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere.
thus, when considering the most abundant gas in the earth's atmosphere, nitrogen is the correct answer, constituting roughly 78% of the atmospheric composition. this predominance is crucial for maintaining the balance of life and chemical processes on our planet.
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