2007-01-16 07:41:44 · 12 answers · asked by bobbie 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
I am making hydrogen using electrolysis. I am "catching" the hydrogen but am releasing the oxygen into the atmosphere. I would like to know if the oxygen will float away or if it is pooling on the floor in my shop.
2007-01-16 07:47:05 · update #1
Technically, "air" has a weighted density between that of nitrogen and oxygen (plus trace other gases) based on the relative percentages of each gas. As far as you're concerned though, it has the same density and will diffuse into the air around you.
Air is more dense at sea level than at high elevation because the "depth" of the atmosphere is greater at low elevations. It has nothing to do w/ there being a greater percentage of oxygen in the air.
Also, air contains the same percentage of each gas where ever you are. it does not vary from location to location.
Lot of stupid answers on this question!!!
Finally, and a note of caution. Hydrogen is obviously flammable, oxygen promotes fires, and electrolysis set ups are great sources of ignition. I wouldn't try to produce too much of either in an enclosed space or else you're asking for trouble.
2007-01-16 07:58:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oxygen is HEAVIER than Air. The density of O2 is about 1.42 while the density of air is 1.25. To get a sense of the comparison, air is 78% nitrogen and the density of nitrogen gas is 1.24.
No, the oxygen will just diffuse away into the air. It will not settle down in to a pool of liquid or gas pure oxygen. Depending on the AMOUNT or how much O2 you are generating or liberating, you do not want your immediate environment to be so oxygen rich to precipitate the combustion of other chemicals or substances around you with just a spark.
Try to use a fan.
2007-01-16 07:49:40 · answer #2 · answered by Aldo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is heavier, with a molecular weight of 32 compared to the average of just under 29 for air.
However, despite the fact that air is a mixture of gases of different molecular weights, its composition is more or less uniform up to a height of 100 km (the "homosphere"). Only above this height (in the "heterosphere") does gravity begin to be effective, and the lighter components begin to dominate.
So, despite its heaviness, you can expect that your freed oxygen will rapidly diffuse down to its normal concentration.
2007-01-16 07:56:40 · answer #3 · answered by bh8153 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slightly heavier, more is at sea level than on top of Everest but since you are in a shop, it wont pool. Not enough oxygen being created in enough time in a large enough area to make a difference. It disperses completely. If it did pool on the floor, our nose and mouth would be on our feet.
2007-01-16 07:57:48 · answer #4 · answered by OLLIE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air consists of 78% Nitrogen, and 21%oxygen. The remaining 1% is trace gases such as argon, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, hydrogen, neon, etc.Based on this information you should be able to compute what the gram molecular weight of a sample of air and an equivalent volume of oxygen would be.
2007-01-16 07:53:48 · answer #5 · answered by 1ofSelby's 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Slightly heavier. Molecular weight, 32; air, on average, 29.
2007-01-16 07:46:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oxygen is part of air because air is made up of a lot of gases and not like "oh there is only 5 gases in air" but like "oh, there is 5 here, 6 there,9 over there, and 2 in Washington." So it really depends on where you are.
2007-01-16 07:46:41 · answer #7 · answered by psycohellbomber 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
oxygen is heavies than air because the molecule is heavier than air
2007-01-20 03:52:29 · answer #8 · answered by ♫ Music is Love ♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oxygen is HEAVIER
Oxygen atomic mass unit (AMU)= 16
Average air atomic mass unit = 14+ (I don't remember the decimal fraction)
2007-01-16 07:48:10 · answer #9 · answered by Sheen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heavier, that's why there is more of it at sea level than on top of a mountain.
2007-01-16 07:45:59 · answer #10 · answered by Ben B 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋