What is the weight of carbon dioxide in comparison to air?

The weight of carbon dioxide in comparison to air is approximately 1.5 times heavier. This is primarily due to the molecular structure and composition of the gases. Air is primarily composed of nitrogen (approximately 78%) and oxygen (approximately 21%), both of which have lower molecular weights than carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has a molecular weight of about 44 g/mol, whereas the average molecular weight of air is roughly 29 g/mol. When comparing these values, CO2 is notably denser, which is why it is classified as being heavier than air.

This characteristic has practical implications in firefighting and other scenarios, such as the potential for carbon dioxide to accumulate in low-lying areas, creating hazards as it can displace oxygen. Understanding this difference in weight is essential for firefighters when assessing ventilation needs and potential risks associated with gases during an incident.