Specific weight of carbon dioxide. Weight of 1 liter of carbon dioxide and its density

Specific weight of carbon dioxide and its density

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas under normal conditions. In recent years, atmospheric CO₂ has been above 420 ppm, or about 0.042% by volume. At normal atmospheric pressure it does not exist as a liquid; solid carbon dioxide sublimates directly into gas. CO₂ is about one and a half times heavier than air. Its reference density at 0 °C and normal pressure is about 1.977 kg/m³.

Carbon dioxide and its role for humans

Carbon dioxide comes from human and animal respiration, decomposition of organic matter, volcanic emissions, combustion and oxidation processes. Plants also release CO₂ at night, while during the day they use it for photosynthesis.

CO₂ is important for the carbon cycle and photosynthesis. In the human body it is produced as a metabolic by-product and takes part in regulating breathing and blood acid-base balance.

At the same time, carbon dioxide should not be treated as completely harmless. At elevated concentrations it displaces oxygen and can cause headache, shortness of breath, increased pulse and discomfort; at very high concentrations it can cause loss of consciousness and suffocation. Workplace references commonly use 5000 ppm as a time-weighted limit, 30000 ppm as a short-term limit and 40000 ppm as an immediately dangerous level.

At normal concentrations, CO₂ is important for:

• helping regulate breathing;
• maintaining blood acid-base balance;
• the natural carbon cycle;
• plant photosynthesis.

CO₂ in animal housing

When keeping animals, the goal is not to add carbon dioxide, but to prevent it from accumulating above a safe level. Cleanliness, ventilation and correct placement of animals help avoid excessive CO₂ in indoor air. Outdoor air normally contains about 0.04% CO₂ by volume, while poor ventilation in enclosed rooms can increase the concentration significantly.

For example, a horse releases about 130 l of CO₂ per hour, a cow - up to 200 l, sheep - up to 30 l, and pigs - up to 90 l. If the concentration of carbon dioxide in an enclosed room exceeds 0.5%, this will negatively affect the vital activity of the organism: poisoning occurs, productivity and immunity decrease, lethargy, apathy and loss of appetite appear, and animals lose weight.

CO₂ is a normal part of the natural carbon cycle, but in enclosed spaces its concentration must be controlled: insufficient ventilation can make the gas dangerous for people and animals.