Question

Why does CO2 go down in the upward displacement method, and why it doesn't it go down in the normal atmosphere?

Answer 1

#69613 Chemistry, Other

Why does $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ go down in the upward displacement method, and why it doesn't go down in the normal atmosphere?

Answer:

Heavy gases are always collected by upward displacement of air/downward delivery while light gases are collected by downward displacement of air/upward delivery. $\mathrm{SO}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ are denser and so collected by downward delivery while $\mathrm{H}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{NH}_{3}$ are lighter and collected by upward delivery.

There is a sufficient disturbance present in the normal atmosphere. If left undisturbed, $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ does sink lower to the ground than oxygen.