[Intro]
The answer is blowing in the wind….
[Verse 1]
Nitrogen again
Argon gone
Argon coming on
Nitrogen again
[Chorus]
What’s blowing in the wind?
The mass of gas
And, you know
Some H2O
[Bridge]
Kinetic energy
Transferring to me
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
[Verse 2]
I’m partial
To particulates
Aerosols roll
\Out-of-control
[Chorus]
What’s blowing in the wind?
The mass of gas
And, you know
Some H2O
[Bridge]
Kinetic energy
Transferring to me
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]
[Bridge]
Kinetic energy
Transferring to me
Perception
Reception
Let the sensation of wind begin
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
[Chorus]
What’s blowing in the wind?
The mass of gas
And, you know
Some H2O
[Outro]
Kinetic energy
Transferring to me
A SCIENCE NOTE
When you feel the wind hitting your skin, you are experiencing the movement of air molecules, which make up the wind. The composition of the matter in the wind is primarily the same as that of the Earth’s atmosphere. Here is a breakdown of what you are feeling:
Primary Components of Wind
- Nitrogen (N₂): Approximately 78% of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen. This inert gas is the most abundant component and does not react easily with other substances.
- Oxygen (O₂): About 21% of the atmosphere is oxygen. It is essential for respiration in humans and animals and is a key component of combustion processes.
- Argon (Ar): This noble gas makes up about 0.93% of the atmosphere. It is chemically inert and does not easily form compounds.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Although it constitutes only about 0.04% of the atmosphere, carbon dioxide is crucial for photosynthesis in plants and is a significant greenhouse gas.
- Other Gases: Trace gases, including neon, helium, methane, krypton, and hydrogen, are present in very small amounts.
Additional Components
- Water Vapor (H₂O): The amount of water vapor in the air can vary widely, depending on the temperature and humidity. Water vapor can make the wind feel cooler or warmer and contribute to weather phenomena such as clouds and precipitation.
- Aerosols and Particulates: Wind can carry tiny particles like dust, pollen, sea salt, smoke, and other pollutants. These particulates can affect air quality and visibility.
Sensation of Wind
- Kinetic Energy Transfer: When the wind hits your skin, you feel the movement of air molecules transferring kinetic energy to your skin. This transfer of energy can cool your skin through a process called convection, especially if the wind is moving faster than the surrounding air.
- Temperature Perception: The wind can also affect your perception of temperature. On a hot day, wind can feel refreshing as it helps evaporate sweat, providing a cooling effect. Conversely, on a cold day, wind can make you feel colder by accelerating heat loss from your body.