What is the largest reservoir for nitrogen?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the largest reservoir of nitrogen in the Earth's system, which typically refers to where nitrogen is most abundantly stored. This involves an understanding of the nitrogen cycle and its various reservoirs.
Answer
Atmosphere
The largest reservoir of nitrogen on Earth is the N2 gas present in the atmosphere, which makes up about 78% of the air.
Answer for screen readers
The largest reservoir of nitrogen on Earth is the N2 gas present in the atmosphere, which makes up about 78% of the air.
More Information
The Earth's atmosphere contains 78% nitrogen gas (N2), making it the largest nitrogen reservoir. This gas is essential for life, as it's a critical component of amino acids, proteins, and DNA.
Tips
Students often mistakenly think soil or oceans are the largest reservoirs due to nitrogen's role in ecosystems, but the atmosphere holds the most nitrogen.
Sources
- BYJU'S - What is the largest reservoir of nitrogen? - byjus.com
- Princeton University - 4 THE GLOBAL NITROGEN CYCLE - nitrogen.princeton.edu
- Toppr.com - The largest reservoir of nitrogen - toppr.com
