Gases can be mined, man-made, or present in the atmosphere. Many gases are found naturally underground where they are trapped beneath rock. Others we breath everyday, since they make up the Earth's atmosphere. Some of the most prevalent gases in our atmosphere are nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon and neon.
Carbon dioxide gas can be made into a solid when temperatures are below 78 degrees Celsius. It is not flammable, and can be changed in composition for different uses. Carbon dioxide also absorbs into water and releases in the air when pressure is decreased. This is how a bottle of soda gets its fizz.
When neon gas is pressurized, it creates the neon effect in street signs and high-voltage indicators. It also produces the beam in a helium neon laser. Neon is the most abundant element in the universe, but only comprises 1 percent of the Earth's atmosphere.
Oxygen is extracted from the air and mixed with other gases to create jet fuel and butane. Besides neon, oxygen is one of the most abundant gases in the universe. It makes up 21 percent of the Earth's atmosphere and a needed element for living things to survive.
Nitrogen makes up 78 percent of the Earth's atmosphere. It is refined from air for ammonia and then made into explosives and fertilizers. It is also often used when welding and soldering to prevent explosions.
Argon can be used many ways such as an anti-corrosive kept under pressure to make the glow in florescent light bulbs. It is refined from oxygen and nitrogen production.
