Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: DeJarnett on 07/07/2007 19:04:23

Title: Experiments using argon gas
Post by: DeJarnett on 07/07/2007 19:04:23

Since argon is heavier than air, could something very light float on it if it was poured into an open top air-tight container?  Would an argon/air mixture (one breath) lower your voice the way helium raises it?

I realize that exhaling all oxegen from the lungs and then breathing pure argon could cause problems, at least causing you to pass out due to inert gas replacing oxegen, so I'm not suggesting that.

Title: Experiments using argon gas
Post by: Cut Chemist on 08/07/2007 19:15:29

Density (at STP):

Helium: 0.1786 g/L
Air:    1.2 g/L 
Argon:  1.784 g/L

It may be possible to float an air filled ballon on top of a bed of argon.  But the balloon would have to be made out of an extremely light material. 

The difference in density between helium and air is much, much larger than the difference in density between argon and air.

Title: Experiments using argon gas
Post by: DrDick on 09/07/2007 19:54:34

There's also the issue of mixing.  Gases diffuse very quickly, so they would mix very quickly.  That hypothetical "bed of argon" wouldn't last very long.

The argon (or better yet krypton or xenon) should have a deepening effect on your voice, however.

Dick

Title: Experiments using argon gas
Post by: Bored chemist on 09/07/2007 21:53:54

Just a thought; experiments with argon are unlikely to be chemistry.