The volume of a gas depends on the size of its container and the amount of pressure it is under. Thus, gasses are easily compressed and bottled for sale. Here are six of the most common ones and their uses.
1. Mixtures
The air we breathe is a mixture of many different elements. Simply exhaling is one way to fill up balloons, but to inflate heftier items such as vehicle tires, atmospheric air is compressed and sold. You can also compress your own air, for example by searching for air compressor rentals Jacksonville FL.
2. Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is the primary waste product that humans exhale. However, most people also enjoy the taste of this gas when it is added to water or sweetened drinks. Fountain drink dispensers at restaurants use compressed carbon dioxide to create soda, and now you can do the same thing at home with a home carbonator.
3. Propane
Propane is compressed and bottled so that it can be used as a fuel in heaters, cigarette lighters, and grills. Because it is a hydrocarbon, burning it gives off carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change.
4. Nitrogen
Nitrogen is one of the most abundant elements in the universe and makes up 78% of the air we breathe here on earth. When nitrogen gas is compressed, it becomes a liquid. People use this extremely cold substance for tasks as diverse as removing warts to fast-freezing ice cream.
5. Chlorine
Chlorine is a foul-smelling, green gas with a deadly effect on human lungs. Nonetheless, people have discovered uses for this noxious element. For example, the petrochemical industry uses compressed chlorine to make plastic, and water treatment facilities use it to destroy bacteria.
6. Helium
Helium is the second smallest element, and one of the most fun. Because it is so much lighter than air, people put it to use inflating balloons. Another nice thing about helium is that it is a noble gas, so you don’t have to worry about it reacting with other elements and causing problems. Its quality of being inert makes it safe for humans to inhale in small quantitates.
Although most gasses are invisible and therefore easily overlooked, they are extremely useful substances. The next time you eat grilled meat, inflate a car tire or drink a soda, be thankful for the technology that compresses elements and compounds in their gaseous states.