Question

From a mixture of $O_2,H_2$ and $C{O}_2$, how can each of the constituent gases be separated.

Answer 1

Since the rate of diffusion of hydrogen is very high when compared to oxygen and carbondioxide, it can be easily separated by the process of diffusion separation leaving a mixture of oxygen and carbondoxide behind.

Carbondioxide can then be separated from the mixture by passing the mixture through caustic potash solution. Since it is acidic in nature, it will easily get absorbed by the alkali, thus forming a bicarbonate and leaving oxygen behind.

Carbondioxide can be finally obtained by treating the bicarbonate with $H_{2}S{O}_4/HCl$