Which is more dense, carbon dioxide or air

Carbon dioxide, also known by the chemical formula CO2, has a higher density than the other gases found in air, which makes CO2 heavier than the air. Air is composed of approximately 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and less than 1 percent of other gases.

Explanation

Carbon dioxide is an odorless, slightly toxic and colorless gas that possesses an acidic and pungent taste. CO2 is a vital but small component of air. CO2 is a vital aspect of life as we know it mainly because it is a vital component of the photosynthesis process required for plants to produce food.

The average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is about 404 ppm. It should also be noted that the CO2 content in the atmosphere tends to fall and rise in a regular pattern of 6 ppmv. Also, the CO2 concentration in the air has witnessed a steady increase for about 7 decades. As it stands, the current increase is 2.5ppm each year. The big question on the minds of many however is “Is carbon dioxide heavier than air?”

Carbon dioxide with the chemical formula of CO2 possesses a higher density of the gases found within the air. Air is made up of about 78% nitrogen which weighs about 32 gram per mole as well as 0.9 % argon which weighs about 39 g/mol. The carbon dioxide, on the other hand, has two oxygen atoms and a carbon atom. This is in addition to possessing a molecular weight of about 44 g/mol. It, therefore, suffices to say that carbon dioxide is heavier or of a higher density than air.

What Is The Ratio Of Carbon Dioxide To Air?

Carbon dioxide is about 1.5 times the weight of air which makes it heavier. Hence, if it gets released to the atmosphere it will lead to concentration at low elevations. Furthermore, CO2 will turn to ice at a temperature of -78.5 degrees Celsius. CO2 is generally available in high-pressure cylinder gasses or the form of dry ice. They are also used industrially to make rubber, fertilizers, and plastics.