The discussion centers on the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen gases in a 2:1 ratio and the behavior of these gases under various conditions. It is established that hydrogen and oxygen mix through diffusion, resulting in a homogeneous mixture when allowed sufficient time. The conversation also addresses the misconception that the gases would separate based on their densities when the bottle is inverted, clarifying that gravity does not influence the mixing of gases in this manner. Additionally, it is noted that a spark, even from static electricity, can initiate the combustion of the mixture, leading to water formation.
PREREQUISITESChemistry students, educators, safety professionals, and anyone interested in the properties and behaviors of gases, particularly in relation to chemical reactions and safety protocols.
They mix by diffusion. So, when you start out, they are essentially completely intermixed (provided you've waited long enough).tackyattack said:So I'm curious, if you mix two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen in a bottle, how do they mix?
First, what do you think would happen if you turned it upside down and it wasn't uncapped?I know that it wouldn't turn into water unless lit on fire. If the bottle was turned upside down and uncapped, would the oxygen fall out the bottom and hydrogen float to the top? Or are the two molecules stuck together so that both would end up falling out?
Chestermiller said:First, what do you think would happen if you turned it upside down and it wasn't uncapped?
Why doesn't it do that when the bottle is right-side-up?tackyattack said:I'm not sure. If it was lighter than air, it would float to the top. If it were heavier, it'd sink to the bottom?
Chestermiller said:Why doesn't it do that when the bottle is right-side-up?
tackyattack said:I know that it wouldn't turn into water unless lit on fire.