The element that makes up the majority of the Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen, accounting for around 78% of the atmosphere's composition. Oxygen follows, comprising about 21%, while other gases like argon and carbon dioxide make up less than 1% collectively. Nitrogen plays an essential role in the environment, serving as a fundamental building block for living organisms, especially in amino acids and proteins. Interestingly, nitrogen is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t easily react with other substances, which helps in maintaining the stability of the atmosphere. The balance of gases in the atmosphere is crucial for life on Earth.