Gases in the Atmosphere:
* Nitrogen (N2): Makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.
* Oxygen (O2): About 21% of the atmosphere, essential for life.
* Argon (Ar): A small percentage, about 0.9%, and is mostly inert.
* Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A trace gas, but plays a crucial role in the Earth's climate.
* Other Trace Gases: Includes neon, helium, methane, krypton, hydrogen, and more.
Other Gases:
* Natural Gas: Mostly methane (CH4), but can also contain other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane.
* Propane (C3H8): A common fuel gas used for heating and cooking.
* Butane (C4H10): Another fuel gas, often used in lighters and portable stoves.
* Helium (He): A noble gas, known for its light weight and use in balloons.
* Neon (Ne): Another noble gas, often used in neon signs.
The Basic Nature of Gases:
* Molecules: Gases are made up of tiny particles called molecules that are constantly moving and colliding.
* Distance: Gas molecules are much further apart than in solids or liquids.
* Compressibility: Because of the large spaces between molecules, gases can be compressed easily.
* Diffusion: Gas molecules can easily move through the air due to their constant motion.
So, the answer to "what is gas made up of?" depends on the specific gas you're interested in. But in general, gases are made up of molecules that are constantly moving and spread out, allowing them to be compressed and diffuse easily.