What are 10 Examples of Gases?
Examples of gases play a central role in chemistry and daily life, helping students understand states of matter, air composition, and many practical applications from home to industry. Studying these examples sharpens conceptual clarity and is key for school science exams.
What is Examples of Gases in Chemistry?
An example of a gas refers to any substance in the gaseous state at standard temperature and pressure (STP). Gases are also one of the three main states of matter, alongside solids and liquids.
This concept appears prominently in chapters about states of matter, physical nature of matter, and air composition, making it fundamental for your chemistry syllabus.
Molecular Formula and Composition
Each gas has its own molecular formula. For example, oxygen is O₂, nitrogen is N₂, and carbon dioxide is CO₂. Gases can either be pure elements (like helium, He) or compounds (such as ammonia, NH₃), and mixtures like air contain several gases together.
Preparation and Synthesis Methods
Gases can be prepared both in laboratories and industry. For example, oxygen is often produced by heating potassium chlorate or by the fractional distillation of liquefied air. Hydrogen can be made by reacting dilute acid with zinc. Carbon dioxide is collected by reacting calcium carbonate with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Physical Properties of Examples of Gases
Most gases are colorless and odorless at room temperature. They have low density, high compressibility, no fixed shape or volume, and spread easily to fill containers. For example, oxygen (O₂): colorless, odorless; helium (He): colorless, tasteless; ammonia (NH₃): colorless with strong odor.
Chemical Properties and Reactions
Many gases react with other substances. For example, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to form water. Chlorine gas bleaches colors and is highly toxic. Ammonia dissolves in water to form a basic solution. Some gases, like noble gases (He, Ne, Ar), are very unreactive.
Frequent Related Errors
- Confusing examples of gases with liquids and solids (like mistaking steam for liquid water).
- Thinking that visible fog or clouds are gases (they are liquid droplets in air).
- Believing all gases have odor or color – most are invisible and odorless.
- Mixing up elements (oxygen) with compounds (carbon dioxide) as gas examples.
Uses of Examples of Gases in Real Life
Examples of gases have countless uses. Oxygen is needed for breathing, nitrogen is used to preserve packaged foods, and helium fills balloons. Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers and carbonated drinks.
Ammonia is important in fertilizers. Many gases are used in the laboratory for experiments and collection techniques, as taught on Vedantu.
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
Examples of gases overlap with topics such as properties of matter and constituents of air. Understanding gas behavior helps explain chemical reactions, environmental science, and differences among solids, liquids, and gases.
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
1. Preparation of Oxygen in the Laboratory2. Take potassium chlorate (KClO₃) in a test tube and add a pinch of manganese dioxide as a catalyst
3. Heat gently
4. Oxygen gas evolves and is collected over water
5. Balanced equation: 2 KClO₃ (s) → 2 KCl (s) + 3 O₂ (g)
6. Take care to note safety precautions for gas collection
Lab or Experimental Tips
Remember common gases by the phrase “Never Open Cans Here And Make New Acids,” which stands for Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Hydrogen, Argon, Methane, Neon, and Ammonia. Vedantu teachers use this mnemonic for easy recall during live classes.
Try This Yourself
- Write the molecular formula for carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane.
- List three gases found at home and describe their uses.
- Explain why air is a mixture and not a pure substance.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored examples of gases—their definitions, properties, practical applications, and key differences from solids and liquids. Understanding these examples is important for exams and for connecting chemistry to daily life.
| Gas | Molecular Formula | Found In / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen | O₂ | Breathable air, combustion |
| Nitrogen | N₂ | Air (major component), food packaging |
| Carbon dioxide | CO₂ | Carbonated drinks, respiration, fire extinguishers |
| Hydrogen | H₂ | Industrial gas, rocket fuel |
| Helium | He | Balloons, deep-sea diving |
| Methane | CH₄ | Natural gas, fuel |
| Ammonia | NH₃ | Fertilizers, cleaning |
| Argon | Ar | Light bulbs, welding |
| Chlorine | Cl₂ | Water treatment, disinfectant |
| Neon | Ne | Neon lights |
FAQs on Examples of Gases in Chemistry
1. What are the examples of gases?
The three most common gaseous elements are nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. These constitute about 81% of the air we breathe. Other elements gaseous at room temperature and pressure include helium, argon, neon, krypton, radon, xenon, chlorine, fluorine, and oxygen. These are sometimes called "noble gases". Many gases are also compounds, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
2. What is the difference between a gas and a solid?
The main difference is that solids have a definite shape because their molecules are tightly bound together by strong forces. Liquids can partially take the shape of their container. Gases, however, fill any container completely because their molecules are not strongly bound and move freely. Solids are almost incompressible, liquids slightly compressible, and gases are highly compressible due to the large spaces between their particles.
3. How are gases different from solids and liquids?
Gases differ because their particles are far apart and move randomly. Unlike solids or liquids, gases fill the entire volume of their container, flow freely, and expand to fit any size. Gases are also much less dense than solids or liquids because their particles are spread out more.
4. How does gas differ from other states of matter?
Gases are characterized by low density and low viscosity. Particles (atoms or molecules) are far apart and move freely. This allows gases to flow easily and fill containers completely. Solids have higher density due to strong intermolecular forces maintaining shape. Liquids have lower density than solids and flow more easily.
5. Why can gases take the shape of containers?
Gas molecules are loosely bound and move freely. They can spread easily to occupy the entire volume of any container.
6. Why can gases be compressed more than solids and liquids?
Gases have large intermolecular spaces. This allows the molecules to be pushed closer together under pressure.
7. Why are most gases invisible?
The large intermolecular spaces result in very low density. This makes most gases difficult to see with the naked eye.
8. What are some examples of gases found in the atmosphere?
The Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%). Other gases present in smaller amounts include argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
9. What are some common gases used in everyday life?
Many gases are used daily. Oxygen is essential for respiration. Nitrogen is used in fertilizers. Carbon dioxide is used in carbonated drinks. Helium is used in balloons. Propane and butane are used as fuels.
10. What are some examples of gases used in industrial processes?
Industries use various gases. Oxygen is used in welding and steelmaking. Nitrogen is used in food packaging to prevent spoilage. Ammonia is crucial in fertilizer production. Chlorine is used in water purification. Hydrogen is used in ammonia synthesis.
11. How are gases collected in a laboratory setting?
Gases can be collected using several methods: Downward delivery for gases denser than air, upward delivery for gases less dense than air, or over water for gases that don't react with water.
12. What are some properties of gases that distinguish them from other states of matter?
Key properties include: compressibility (gases can be easily compressed), expansivity (gases expand to fill their containers), diffusivity (gases readily mix), and low density (gases have much lower densities than liquids and solids).
