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Gases Facts

Gases Facts
Gas is a fundamental state of matter. The other three are liquid, solid, and plasma. Gas can be made up of elemental molecules, individual atoms, or compound molecules. Gas mixtures can contain a variety of pure gases. Gas is different than a solid or liquid because of the separation of gas particles which usually renders the gas invisible to the human eye. Gas is found between the liquid and plasma states. The term gas was first used by a Flemish chemist in the 1600s. It is also believed that the word gas may have been derived from the word 'gahst' due to the way that some gases look like a ghost or supernatural being.
Interesting Gases Facts:
Pure gas is made from only one atom.
Two or more of the same atoms joined together make up elemental gases.
A combination of different atoms make up compound gases.
The air that humans breathe on earth contains approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% argon. It also contains a minute amount of other gases.
Natural gas is a gas used for fuel to generate electricity and create heat. It contains mostly methane.
When measuring gas pressure it is calculated in pascals.
Helium is lighter than gas which makes it able to create floating balloons that people love to carry around at carnivals and birthday parties.
Noble gases, which are considered to be stable under normal conditions, include radon, helium, argon, neon, xenon, and Superman's favorite - krypton.
The Earth is protected by a gas called ozone, which is made up of 3 oxygen atoms bound together.
To create a gas from a liquid, heating is one method. For instance heating water turns it into a vapor, which is a type of gas. It becomes vapor before reaching the boiling point.
Gas is the state it is because of the limited bond between gas particles. If the bond were stronger the gas would no longer be a gas and would become either a liquid or a solid.
Gas particles move about at roughly 1000 miles an hour and will not stay put unless contained.
When gas particles collide they bounce apart.
Gases are always expanded by heat, which is why hot air balloons rise when the air inside is heated.
If a balloon is left near heat the air inside will continue to expand until the balloon bursts from the pressure inside.
Some gases are very flammable such as natural gas or propane.
Some gases are dangerous, such as carbon monoxide, which can be fatal if inhaled in an enclosed area for long.
Despite the fact that some gases are dangerous, not all are.
Greenhouse gas is causing the greenhouse effect. They absorb and emit radiation and include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and others.
Gases can be compacted a great deal when put under pressure, such as is the case with soda or champagne, which can result in an explosion when the bottle is shaken and then opened as all the gas rushes to escape because of the pressure.


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