The reason for the question is that I'm guessing that it wouldn't be possible to estimate how much propane is in a tank if it is lighter than air. I'm not the only dummy cause my buddy is sitting here wondering the same thing.
2006-08-26 12:39:12 · 16 answers · asked by ocstpete 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Propane weights 44 g per mole, while air would be around 30 g for the same volume (nitrogen is 28 g/mole and oxygen is 32)
2006-08-26 12:47:00 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Propane is heavier than air. However, compressed propane is much heavier.
Believe it or not, you can just weigh it. The difference in the weight between a full propane tank and the weight of the empty propane tank is the weight of the propane.
The 'bouyancy' of the bottle is completely dependent upon the size of the tank and has nothing to do with the type of gas that is inside the tank.
2006-08-26 12:48:44 · answer #2 · answered by tbolling2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Propane is heavier than air. It actually sinks to the lowest point.
Most of the propane in a tank is liquid propane; so you can very closely estimate the amount that is left in the tank. Basically you look at the guage on the tank!!! Also no propane tank is ever filled more than 2/3rds full to allow for vapor exapansion.
2006-08-26 12:46:57 · answer #3 · answered by rhutson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Propane is C3H8, therefore weighing 44. air is about 20% O2, weight 32, and 80% N2, weight 28. Propane is heavier. It is a danger in boats where if it leaks and flows down into the cabin can be an explosive hazard.
2006-08-26 12:46:22 · answer #4 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Propane Gas.
2006-08-26 12:44:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Propane is heavier.
My dad sometimes did work at a propane plant. He said "white clouds of propane" would often drift by. Down by the floor like the creepy white mist that you see when you put dry ice in water.
Very dangerous to smoke around that place.
2006-08-26 12:57:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Propane.
2006-08-26 12:45:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air is much lighter. At room temperature, propane is still in a condensed state.
2006-08-26 13:58:35 · answer #8 · answered by FILO 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Propane is heavier than air, but remember you can have a tank of hydrogen gas, and it still will not float.
2006-08-26 13:24:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Propane is heavier than air,(1.5 times denser). In its raw state, propane sinks and pools at the floor.
2006-08-26 12:47:26 · answer #10 · answered by ArnieSchivaSchangaran 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋