Question detail
Which gas makes up approximately 80 percent of the Earth's atmosphere?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere
Question
- A. Oxygen
- B. Nitrogen
- C. Carbon Dioxide
- D. Argon
Answer
The correct option is Nitrogen. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to distinguish the major gases in the present atmosphere from trace atmospheric gases in the subtopic The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere.
Explanation
The correct option is Nitrogen. Nitrogen is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to distinguish the major gases in the present atmosphere from trace atmospheric gases. This belongs to the subtopic The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere within The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere.
Common mistake
Confusing Major and Trace Gases
Students often confuse major gases like nitrogen and oxygen with trace gases such as carbon dioxide and noble gases.
To fix this, students should memorize the major gases in the atmosphere and understand that trace gases are present in much smaller amounts.
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