Carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen. Despite this fact, the two gases move up into the air and mix readily with each other.
• Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide, also known as CO2, is a chemical compound that is made up of two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom. It exists in the Earth's atmosphere at a standard pressure. Carbon dioxide is vital for most living organisms on Earth, and although humans do not directly require it to survive, the food we eat is dependent on the compound. Plants use carbon dioxide as part of photosynthesis, and together with light and water they produce energy for themselves to enable them to grow.
Carbon dioxide in high quantities is very dangerous, and can cause dizziness, headaches, and in extreme cases unconsciousness. Carbon dioxide is used in many products, as it is non-flammable and is readily available. Some examples of products that contain carbon dioxide are fizzy drinks, wine, oils and chemicals.
• Oxygen
Oxygen is vital for human life, and actually makes up two-thirds of the body mass of a human. This is because it is the main element of water when it comes to mass. Only hydrogen and helium are more abundant in the universe than oxygen, and it is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Oxygen is used in the production of plastics and textiles, as well as providing life support in various forms of transport, including aircraft and submarines. Oxygen is also used by divers, and is common in the production of steel.
• Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide, also known as CO2, is a chemical compound that is made up of two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom. It exists in the Earth's atmosphere at a standard pressure. Carbon dioxide is vital for most living organisms on Earth, and although humans do not directly require it to survive, the food we eat is dependent on the compound. Plants use carbon dioxide as part of photosynthesis, and together with light and water they produce energy for themselves to enable them to grow.
Carbon dioxide in high quantities is very dangerous, and can cause dizziness, headaches, and in extreme cases unconsciousness. Carbon dioxide is used in many products, as it is non-flammable and is readily available. Some examples of products that contain carbon dioxide are fizzy drinks, wine, oils and chemicals.
• Oxygen
Oxygen is vital for human life, and actually makes up two-thirds of the body mass of a human. This is because it is the main element of water when it comes to mass. Only hydrogen and helium are more abundant in the universe than oxygen, and it is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Oxygen is used in the production of plastics and textiles, as well as providing life support in various forms of transport, including aircraft and submarines. Oxygen is also used by divers, and is common in the production of steel.
