2007-02-24 15:00:13 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Hydrogen is an element composed of atoms while carbon dioxide is a molecular compound (each molecule consisting of three atoms); therefore, the hydrogen atoms are smaller than the CO2 molecules and more easily pass through the rubber skin of the balloon via a process similar to osmosis in liquids...
2007-02-24 15:08:53 · answer #1 · answered by Lynci 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about osmosis, the deflating of balloons that are inflated and tied off, I would say that the size of the molecules is the main difference. The much smaller hydrogen is able to escape more easily. Of course, another difference between the two gases is their velocity at room temperature, for the smaller hydrogen molecules to have the same kinetic energy at room temperature, they would have to move much faster than the heavier CO2 molecules, and the more rapid motion of H would facilitate it's osmosis as well.
2007-02-24 15:06:00 · answer #2 · answered by Dennis H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No seal is perfect. Even a balloons.
Hydrogen is much smaller than carbon dioxide molecules. Therefore they can more easily make their way out of the poors of the balloon.
2007-02-24 15:03:23 · answer #3 · answered by eric l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The size of hydrogen atom is smaller than CO2. thus it goes out of balloon faster thru the microscopic holes in the skin of the balloon. The bigger atoms go out slower. It's logical, ain't it?
2007-02-24 15:03:53 · answer #4 · answered by Dr Noni Walia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋