Is there a type of liquid that is less dense than a type of gas?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Mattius_
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gas Liquid Type
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the density comparison between gases and liquids, specifically examining whether any gas, such as uranium or tungsten hexafluoride, can be denser than liquid hydrogen. The densest known gas is tungsten hexafluoride at 1.3 g/l, while liquid hydrogen has a density of approximately 71 g/l. Other gases mentioned include xenon at 5.894 g/l and radon at 9.73 g/l. The conversation emphasizes the importance of standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions when making these comparisons, noting that gas density can change under varying pressure and temperature conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gas laws and density calculations
  • Familiarity with standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions
  • Knowledge of the properties of hydrogen and heavy gases like xenon and radon
  • Basic principles of phase transitions between liquids and gases
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of tungsten hexafluoride and its applications
  • Explore the behavior of gases under varying pressure and temperature conditions
  • Learn about the phase diagram of hydrogen and its implications for density
  • Investigate the concept of compressibility in gases and its effects on density
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in chemistry, physics, and engineering, particularly those interested in the properties of gases and liquids, as well as researchers studying phase transitions and density variations.

Mattius_
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Would the gas form Uranium or any other heavy atom be more dense than the liquid form of hydrogen?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The densest known gas is tungsten hexafluoride, at 1.3 g/l. The least dense liquid is probably some form of alcohol which comes in at ~.78 g/cc (780 g/l), so I'm going to have to say no. These figures are for STP; other temperature and pressure ranges may differ.
 
Liquid hydrogen is about 71 grams per liter. Xenon gas is 5.894 grams per liter at STP (I think). Radon is about 9.73 grams per liter.
 
Last edited:
I am a little puzzled by the numbers for gas density. Gas is compressible, so the density would increase under pressure. Also I have a recollection (I was exposed to this a long time ago so my memory may be faulty) that at high temperture there is no sharp divide between liquid and gas, so that gas could be compressed to a much higher density.
 
That's why I specified that the values were given for STP (standard temperature and pressure). Liquid hydrogen doesn't count unless what you're comparing it to is at the same temperature. Otherwise, you're comparing apples to earthworms.
 
I feel like if there were we would have all seen the youtube video.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 83 ·
3
Replies
83
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
9K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K