Final answer:
To find the partial pressure of nitrogen in the atmosphere, multiply the percentage of nitrogen in air (78.1%) by the total atmospheric pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is focusing on the properties of dry air, specifically its composition by volume. Dry air consists largely of nitrogen (78.1%), along with oxygen (21%) and argon (1%), with trace amounts of other gases. Knowing these percentages, one can calculate the partial pressure of individual gases when given the total atmospheric pressure.
To find the partial pressure of nitrogen in the atmosphere, you would use the formula:
PN2 = (Fraction of N2) x (Total atmospheric pressure)
Given that the atmospheric pressure is 1.01 × 105 N/m² and nitrogen makes up 78.1% of dry air, you would calculate:
PN2 = 0.781 x 1.01 × 105 N/m²
This yields the nitrogen's partial pressure.