Question

The percentage of nitrogen in the atmosphere is
A) 86%
B) 78%
C) 20%
D) 50%

Answer 1

The dead organism when decomposed provides nitrogen to the soil or the ocean. In the presence of favourable bacteria this nitrogen transforms into a substance that is useful for the plant to grow and makes the soil fertile.

Complete answer:

To answer this question, we should know the uses of atmospheric nitrogen. The atmospheric nitrogen is an inert gas that can be used to replace air and eliminate oxidation of the materials. One of the most important uses of atmospheric nitrogen is its ability to convert to ammonia that is a natural fertilizer for plants. For this conversion of nitrogen into ammonia is carried out by some of the microorganisms like; >Azotobacter, Azotococcus, etc. The reaction that converts nitrogen into ammonia is catalyzed by nitrogenase enzyme. This process of conversion of nitrogen into ammonia in the presence of nitrogenase is termed as biological nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen is a part of our bodies like amino acid consists of nitrogen; they are the building blocks of proteins that are involved in the cell function. Every organism on Earth requires nitrogen to form the protein.
Now, the atmosphere is a layer of gasses that surrounds the Earth. It is made of 78% nitrogen, 21% of oxygen, 0.03% carbon dioxide, and 0.9% argon. Nitrogen is not stable as a part of a crystal lattice thus it is associated with the soil, so it is enriched in the atmosphere related to the oxygen.

Thus, the correct option is ‘B’. 78%.

Note: Atmospheric nitrogen fixation also takes place in air through the production of lightning that is naturally or via industrial means. Artificially the ammonia is produced for the mass use as fertilizers in the cultivational field.