Question

How do you separate a mixture of

(a) CO₂ and O₂

(b) H₂ and O₂

Answer 1

The mixture of gases can be separated on the basis of diffusion.

Diffusion: It is defined as the process in which the molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

• In the process of separation through diffusion, the gases are allowed to pass through the containers which are connected in series.
• The gases are separated on the basis of their density.

Density: It defined the closeness of particles of substances.

• If the density is high the molecules of a substance are very closely packed and are heavier.
• If the density is low the molecules of a substance are not closely packed and are lighter.

The gas which is less dense will diffuse faster leaving behind the more dense gas and this results in gas separation.

(a) CO₂ and O₂

• Between these two gases, O₂ is less dense and will diffuse faster in a series of containers leaving behind CO₂.

(b) H₂ and O₂

• Between these two gases, H₂ is less dense and will diffuse faster in a series of containers leaving behind O₂.