Does Methane Gravitationally Differentiate in Air or Mix with Fluid Dynamics?

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SUMMARY

Methane, with a molecular weight of approximately 16, does exhibit gravitational differentiation in air, as it is lighter than the primary components of air, oxygen and nitrogen, which have molecular weights of 32 and 28, respectively. However, due to the constant presence of fluid dynamics, such as wind and turbulence, methane does not remain stratified and tends to mix with the surrounding air. This dual behavior highlights the complexity of gas behavior in atmospheric conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular weight and gas properties
  • Basic knowledge of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with atmospheric science concepts
  • Knowledge of gas mixing and stratification phenomena
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of wind on gas stratification
  • Study the principles of molecular diffusion in gases
  • Explore atmospheric mixing processes in meteorology
  • Learn about the implications of gas behavior in environmental science
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Atmospheric scientists, environmental engineers, and anyone interested in the behavior of gases in the atmosphere will benefit from this discussion.

Praestrigiator
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Does methane gravitationally differentiate in air, or does fluid dynamics mess things up & make it mix in with the air?
 
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Praestrigiator said:
Does methane gravitationally differentiate in air, or does fluid dynamics mess things up & make it mix in with the air?
Both. Methane has molecular wt. approx. 16, while oxygen and nitrogen have molecular wts. of 32 and 28, so the methane would slowly rise when the air is perfectly still. However the air is never perfectly still, so wind,etc. tends to mix things up.
 

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