Properties of Air

Air is a natural resource. It consists of a mix of gases, with 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, along with traces of water vapor, carbon dioxide, argon, and other elements.

‘Air’ translates to ‘vayu’ in Sanskrit. In Hinduism, air is revered as a deity (Vayu Bhagawan).

PROPERTIES OF AIR

The properties of air can be categorized into physical and chemical properties.

1. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF AIR

➢ PRESSURE: The pressure of air varies based on the location and the seasons on Earth. Atmospheric pressure is also referred to as barometric pressure. Air is entirely under pressure because of gravity.

➢ TEMPERATURE: Air has a temperature. It expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Temperature influences volume, which in turn affects pressure.

➢ VISCOSITY: The viscosity of air is mainly influenced by temperature. At 15 °C, air has a viscosity of 1.81 × 10-5 kg/ (m·s).

➢ HUMIDITY: Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. Water vapor is the gaseous form of water and cannot be seen.

➢ VOLUME: The volume of air is defined as the mass per unit volume of the Earth's atmosphere. This volume is connected to both pressure and temperature. The volume of air is 1.19g/liter.

➢ SPECIFIC GRAVITY:

Carbon dioxide- 1.5

Oxygen- 1.1

Argon – 1.38

Nitrogen- 0.9

2. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF AIR

The atmosphere of Earth consists of air made up of a mixture of gases.

Carbon dioxide – 0.039%

Oxygen- 20.95%

Argon-0.093%

Nitrogen-78.09%

ADVANTAGES OF AIR

• Air helps heal all kinds of respiratory illnesses.

• It alleviates asthma when practiced with pranayama techniques.

• It has a calming effect on the countless nerve endings throughout the body.

• It shows positive outcomes for issues like nervousness, neurasthenia, rheumatism, and skin problems.

AIR THERAPY

Air therapy enhances the health of vital organs such as the lungs, abdomen, diaphragm, kidneys, and pancreas.

It aids in removing toxins from the body, thereby boosting immunity.

An air bath allows refreshing air currents to encourage the contraction and expansion of skin capillaries.

➢ PRANAYAMA: Pranayama refers to a set of breathing exercises that can help extend our lifespan. Examples include nadishodhana, surya bhedana, Chandra bhedana, and surya and Chandra anuloma viloma.

➢ AIR BATH: Fresh air is crucial for maintaining good health. You can benefit from air therapy through an air bath. Everyone should try to take an air bath for at least 20 minutes each day, or longer if they can.

➢ AIR BY TREES: Our environment is made up of five key elements, and air is one of them. These elements are found naturally around us. Trees are one source of air; they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is beneficial for people.

CONCLUSION

When we talk about air, it refers not just to the pure force present in the universe but also to the energy that aids in digestion and helps eliminate waste.