Is CO Heavier Than Air?
No. Air is slightly heavier than carbon monoxide. We can get this conclusion by the following three methods.
Molecular Weight Analysis
One carbon dioxide molecule is made up of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. Referring to the periodic table of elements, the atomic mass (unit) of a carbon atom is 12. The atomic mass of an oxygen atom is 16. Então,
Molecular Weight of CO = 12 + 16= 28
When it comes to the calculation of air, we should prior to know it is a mixture rather than pure oxygen. Air contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, e 1% noble gas(Ne and Ar). So the average molecule of air would be between that of nitrogen and oxygen. And we recommend to use Method of Weighted Arithmetic Mean. Então,
(14+14)*78% + (16+16)*21% + noble gas average molecular weight*1%
≈22.04+6.72
≈28.76
In comparison, 28<28.76. Portanto, air is slightly heavier than carbon monoxide.
Balance Weighing
We suggest doing this balance weighing experiment in the lab. Considering their similar weight, a professional lab and operation can improve accuracy. And before operation, we should make some preparation.
Preparation List
- Prepare two gas containers with the same volume and material.
- Collect air in outdoor.
- Get pure CO from professional supplier.
- An accurate balance.
To start, we respectively weigh the two gas containers and keep records. Então, we respectively fill the two gas containers with CO and air and keep them hermetically. Próximo, it is time to weigh the two gas containers with gases respectively. Depois disso, we can calculate the difference valves between the weight of empty gas containers and filled gas containers. Finalmente, we can compare the two difference valves to get the answer of Is Carbon Monoxide Heavier Than Air.
Does Carbon Monoxide Rise or Stay Low?
Getting back to life, the comparison of their weight helps us know whether carbon monoxide rises or stays low. This would be an important reference for carbon monoxide detector installation. Since Air is slightly heavier than carbon monoxide, CO tends to rise in the air.
No entanto, this tendency is not so obvious because their weight difference is not huge. Other factors like air speed and room layout may lead to regional accumulation of CO.
Why CO Alarms Are Often Installed Near the Floor
Actually, we highly recommend installing CO alarms from 1.5 meters above the floor rather than precisely near the floor. CO is just slightly lighter than air, so it does not naturally rise to the ceiling. Conversely, 1.5 meters above the floor is a middle level for good detection due to the similarity of their density.
Why You Shouldn’t Install A CO Alarm Near Heating or Cooking Appliances
Heating and cooking appliances can emit small, temporary amounts of carbon monoxide when starting or during regular operation. If a CO alarm is placed too close, it might wrongly alert.
Perguntas frequentes
What Does A Carbon Monoxide Detector Do?
The primary function of the CO detector is to sense the CO concentration in the air. Some of them detect gas by electro-chemical sensors, and others use a heated tin oxide surface. No matter which working principle, the detector can trigger an audible and visual alarm to warn occupants when CO level exceeds the preset threshold.
Advanced CO detector comes with IoT technology. They are good at continuous monitoring of CO levels, data delivery to apps and self-diagnostics. Além do mais, they can automatically wake up the smart exhaust if we add them to the home automation system.
Why Is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
After humans and animals inhale CO, CO then binds with hemoglobin in blood much more readily than oxygen. So the oxygen can not go to vital organs and tissues. Depending on the different amounts of CO inhalation, humans and animals can perform different symptom.
- Low levels of CO exposure cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
- Moderate levels of CO exposure leads to chest pain, mental confusion and even loss of consciousness.
- High concentrations result in asphyxiation.
What to Do If A Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off
Though CO is dangerous, it is easy to keep safe and healthy if we install CO alarms in risky place. And if a carbon monoxide alarm goes off we should leave the building immediately. Then we can ask the building manager for help and check the situation. If it is just a fault, we can go back to the building after the confirmation of building safety clerk.
If it is a real accident, we should follow the guidance of the safety officer. Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders confirm it is safe. If there is any symptoms of CO poisoning as what mentioned in the last paragraph, we should go to hospital or call emergency medical help immediately.
Keep Safe with Phixson’s ODM CO Detectors
Compatible app: Tuya/Smart Life/Apple Home/Alexa/+
Network: Wifi/BLE/Zigbee
Bridge: Need/No need
States reporting mode: Multicolor LED indicator light/OLED Screen/ LCD
Screen/Touching Screen/Online App
Installation mode: Wall Hanging/Hook Hole/Table Standing/Magnetic Back/Portability
Fonte de energia: Battery/Type-C
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