In air , all the consisting gases remain uniformly mixed. Co2 which is lower than both N2 and O2 does not form the lower layer in the atmosphere. Why?

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Solution

Carbon dioxide has density of 1.97kg/m3 compared to 1.29kg/m3 for air. CO2 is heavier.

Air molecules have a lot of kinetic energy and they keep colliding with each other. This acts against the gravitational force on the molecules and keeps them suspended in air. However, heavier gases tend to have higher concentration in the lower elevations. Atmosphere at very high elevation ~650km is mostly Helium as per The Composition of Earth’s Atmosphere With Elevation

For the same reason dust particles to stay suspended in air as well as in turbid water.

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Carbon dioxide is generally heavier than oxygen and nitrogen. Why do it not form lower layer in the atmosphere?

Why does't carbon dioxide comes down the lower layer in the atmosphere?

N_{2}

C O_{2}

27^{0} C

O_{2}

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C + O_{2} \to C O_{2}, Δ H = - 100 K c a l / m o l

C + \frac{1}{2} O_{2} \to C O, Δ H = - 25 K c a l / m o l

O_{2}

{C O}_{2}

O_{2}

O_{2}

{C O}_{2}

O_{2}

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For completion of respiration process, write the given steps in sequential manner.

(a) Diffusion of gases $(O_{2} a n d C O_{2})$ across alveolar membrane.

(b) Transport of gases by blood.

(d) Pulmonary ventilation by which atmospheric air is drawn in and $C O_{2}$ rich alveolar air is released out.

(e) Diffusion of $O_{2} a n d C O_{2}$ between blood and tissues.~

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