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Chapter 5: Problem 6

A carbon dioxide molecule is heavier than an average air particle. If you pour carbon dioxide gas from a cup, which way does it flow in air, up or down?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Carbon dioxide flows downward because it is heavier than air.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Problem

Determine whether carbon dioxide (CO₂) is heavier or lighter than air by comparing their molecular weights.
02

Calculate Molecular Weights

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) has a molecular weight of approximately 44 g/mol. Average air, which consists primarily of nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂), has a molecular weight of approximately 29 g/mol.
03

Compare the Weights

Since 44 g/mol (CO₂) is greater than 29 g/mol (air), carbon dioxide is heavier than air.
04

Predict the Flow Direction

Heavier gases tend to sink below lighter gases. Therefore, carbon dioxide will flow downward when poured in air.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

molecular weight
Molecular weight, sometimes referred to as molecular mass, represents the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule. It is measured in grams per mole (g/mol). Understanding molecular weight is crucial when comparing different gases, like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and air, to predict their behavior in different conditions. For example, the molecular weight of carbon dioxide is approximately 44 g/mol. This number is calculated by adding the atomic masses of one carbon (C) atom and two oxygen (O) atoms. In comparison, the molecular weight of air, which is primarily a mix of nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂), averages about 29 g/mol.
gas density
Gas density is another important concept in understanding how gases behave in air. Density is defined as mass per unit volume and is often expressed in grams per liter (g/L). The density of a gas depends on its molecular weight and the conditions such as temperature and pressure. A higher molecular weight usually indicates a denser gas. For example, because carbon dioxide has a higher molecular weight (44 g/mol) compared to the average molecular weight of air (29 g/mol), it is also denser. This density difference explains why carbon dioxide flows downward when released in the air.
carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas that is crucial for life on Earth. It is composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. CO₂ is produced during respiration by animals and is used by plants during photosynthesis to produce oxygen. In the context of gas behavior, carbon dioxide is notably heavier than air due to its higher molecular weight of 44 g/mol. This higher weight causes CO₂ to sink below lighter gases in the atmosphere, such as nitrogen and oxygen. Hence, if you pour carbon dioxide from a cup, it flows downward instead of floating upwards.
air composition
Air is a mixture of several gases, primarily nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂), along with smaller amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases. The average molecular weight of air is around 29 g/mol due to this composition. Nitrogen and oxygen make up about 99% of the air. The presence of these lighter gases explains why they are predominant in the upper layers of our atmosphere. Understanding air composition is important for comprehending how different gases, such as carbon dioxide, interact with the air. When a heavier gas like CO₂, which has a molecular weight of 44 g/mol, is released into the air, it tends to sink because of the weight difference.

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