Would Co2 be liquid or gas?

In summary, the partial pressure of CO2 is what determines whether it is in a liquid or gas state, not the total atmosphere. At 0F, the vapor pressure of CO2 is about 20 bars, but the partial pressure in the given gas mixture is only 1 bar, so it remains in a gas state. If the temperature were -40 F, CO2 would be in a liquid state at the total atmosphere, but would still be a gas at its partial pressure. This understanding is important in order to reason out and determine the state of CO2 in various scenarios.
  • #1
willstaruss22
108
1
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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  • #2
Get yourself a CO2 phase diagram and see.
 
  • #3
The partial pressure is 0.2 bar so it would be gas. However with the whole atmosphere is would be liquid.
 
  • #4
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
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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
 
  • #7
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.
 

1. Would CO2 be a liquid or gas at room temperature?

At room temperature, CO2 exists as a gas. It has a boiling point of -78.5 degrees Celsius and a melting point of -56.6 degrees Celsius, which are both well below room temperature. Therefore, it would need to be under high pressure to exist as a liquid at room temperature.

2. What conditions are needed for CO2 to become a liquid?

In order for CO2 to become a liquid, it needs to be at a temperature below its critical point of 31.1 degrees Celsius and at a pressure of at least 73.8 atmospheres. At this point, the gas and liquid phases of CO2 are in equilibrium, and it can exist as a liquid.

3. Can CO2 exist as both a liquid and a gas?

Yes, CO2 can exist as both a liquid and a gas depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. At normal atmospheric pressure and temperatures above -56.6 degrees Celsius, CO2 is a gas. However, at lower temperatures and/or higher pressures, it can exist as a liquid.

4. How does the phase of CO2 affect its properties?

The phase of CO2 can significantly affect its properties. As a gas, CO2 is less dense and more compressible than as a liquid. It also has different thermal conductivity and diffusion rates in each phase. Additionally, the liquid phase of CO2 is highly soluble, making it a useful solvent in industrial applications.

5. Can CO2 transition directly from a gas to a solid?

Yes, CO2 can transition directly from a gas to a solid phase through a process called sublimation. This occurs at temperatures below -78.5 degrees Celsius and at atmospheric pressure. Dry ice, which is solid CO2, is commonly used for refrigeration and special effects due to its ability to sublimate into a gas at room temperature.

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