What does exhaled air contain more of compared to inhaled air?

Exhaled air contains more carbon dioxide than oxygen primarily due to the process of respiration that occurs in the body. When we inhale, we take in air rich in oxygen, which our bodies use for cellular metabolism and energy production. During this metabolic process, glucose is broken down, and carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product, which is then transported back to the lungs to be expelled from the body.

The composition of exhaled air reflects this exchange; it typically contains about 4-5% carbon dioxide, whereas inhaled air contains only about 0.04% carbon dioxide. The increased concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air is indicative of the respiratory process and the body's need to eliminate this gas to maintain homeostasis.

Understanding the content of exhaled air is crucial in fields related to health, respiratory therapy, and environmental science, illustrating the importance of carbon dioxide as a key component produced by metabolic processes.