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Why does helium float and carbon dioxide sink?

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Great question, I appreciate your curiosity. It all boils down to the density (and molar mass which for gases is closely related to the density). I don't know exact densities of air, carbon diixide and helium, but I know their molar masses. read more

Helium floats and carbon dioxide sinks in air because helium is lighter than air, and carbon dioxide is heavier than air. At 25 degrees centigrade and atmospheric pressure, the density of air is 1.3 kg/cubic meter, that of helium 0.16 kg/cubic meter, and that of carbon dioxide 1.8 kg/cubic meter. read more

Carbon dioxide is a heavier gas than air. So generally, if you think about it, heavier things tend to sink. Ofcourse this also has to do with density, but for now, all that matters is that CO2 is heavier than air and so sinks. Helium is lighter hence it rises. read more

Helium is less dense than air, which is mostly nitrogen and oxygen, so it will float. Carbon dioxide is denser than air, so it sinks. read more

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Which is heavier air or carbon dioxide? - Quora
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