Does Atmospheric Pressure or Temperature Determine the State of CO2?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the factors that determine the state of carbon dioxide (CO2) under specific atmospheric conditions, particularly focusing on the roles of atmospheric pressure and temperature. Participants explore theoretical scenarios involving varying pressures and temperatures to assess whether CO2 would be in a gaseous or liquid state.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a scenario with a 20 bar atmosphere consisting of various gases, questioning whether CO2 would be liquid or gas at 0°F.
  • Another participant suggests consulting a CO2 phase diagram for clarity.
  • A participant notes that the partial pressure of CO2 in the mixture is 0.2 bar, indicating it would be gas, but argues that under the total atmospheric pressure, CO2 could be liquid.
  • It is mentioned that the vapor pressure of CO2 at 0°F is about 20 bars, leading to the conclusion that CO2 would not condense under the given conditions.
  • One participant expresses confusion about whether the state of CO2 is determined by its partial pressure or the total atmospheric pressure, suggesting that at -40°F, CO2 could be liquid with total pressure but gas at partial pressure.
  • Another participant reiterates the confusion regarding the determining factors for the state of CO2, emphasizing the importance of reasoning through the mechanics rather than seeking confirmation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the state of CO2 is primarily influenced by its partial pressure or the total atmospheric pressure. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the phase behavior of CO2 under varying pressures and temperatures, as well as the dependence on the definitions of partial and total pressures.

willstaruss22
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Let's say you have a 20 bar atmosphere of 95% nitrogen, 3% oxygen, 1% argon and 1% Co2 cooled to 0 F. Would Co2 be liquid or gas?
 
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Get yourself a CO2 phase diagram and see.
 
The partial pressure is 0.2 bar so it would be gas. However with the whole atmosphere is would be liquid.
 
The vapor pressure of CO2 at 0F is about 20 bars, and the partial pressure of the CO2 in your gas mixture is about 1 bar. So it won't condense.

Chet
 
Here's where I'm confused is it the partial pressure of Co2 that determines which state its in or the total atmosphere? Because if in this scenario the temperature were -40 F Co2 would be liquid with the total atmosphere but it would be gas at partial pressure.
 
willstaruss22 said:
Here's where I'm confused is it the partial pressure of Co2 that determines which state its in or the total atmosphere? Because if in this scenario the temperature were -40 F Co2 would be liquid with the total atmosphere but it would be gas at partial pressure.
It's the partial pressure that matters, not the total pressure.

Chet
 
willstaruss22 said:
Here's where I'm confused is it the partial pressure of Co2 that determines which state its in or the total atmosphere? Because if in this scenario the temperature were -40 F Co2 would be liquid with the total atmosphere but it would be gas at partial pressure.

Which would you think it should be? It is nice to be told a confirmation, but it is not that much help to you really if you can't or don't reason it out mechanistically.
 

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