Carbon dioxide (CO2) is heavier than oxygen (O2)

Carbon dioxide is a gas that is composed of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. Oxygen, on the other hand, is a diatomic gas consisting of two oxygen atoms bonded together. Despite both gases containing oxygen atoms, carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen due to the presence of the carbon atom.

Explanation:
To understand why carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen, we need to consider the atomic masses of the elements involved. The atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12 atomic mass units (u), while the atomic mass of oxygen is about 16 u.

When carbon dioxide is formed, it consists of one carbon atom (12 u) and two oxygen atoms (16 u each), resulting in a total atomic mass of 44 u (12 + 16 + 16). In comparison, oxygen gas (O2) consists of two oxygen atoms, giving it a total atomic mass of 32 u (16 + 16).

Key Points:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.
- The atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12 atomic mass units (u).
- The atomic mass of oxygen is about 16 u.
- Carbon dioxide has a total atomic mass of 44 u (12 + 16 + 16).
- Oxygen gas (O2) has a total atomic mass of 32 u (16 + 16).
- Therefore, carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen due to the additional mass of the carbon atom.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, carbon dioxide (CO2) is heavier than oxygen (O2) because it contains an additional carbon atom, which increases its atomic mass. Understanding the atomic composition and masses of gases helps us determine their relative weights and properties.