Baldonado, Lesley Joy T.

BS Physics 1

Recognize the Cause and Effect

Compressed gas tanks are a common sight in a chemistry laboratory. Nitrogen, for
example, is frequently flowed over a reaction in progress to displace other gases that may interfere
with the experiment. Explain how compressed nitrogen is released using what you know about gas
properties.
 Compressed nitrogen can be released by decreasing its temperature so that its volume and
density will also decrease.

Analysis
By definition, the particles of gases are far apart and gases tend to fill their container, even
if the container is a laboratory room. Tanks of compressed gas come from the supplier capped to
prevent the gas from escaping. In the lab a chemist or technician attaches a regulator to the tank
and secures the tank to a stable fixture.

Thinking Critically
1. Explain why the flow of compressed gas must be controlled for practical use.

The flow of compressed gas must be controlled for practical use in order to prevent
future accidents such as explosions, fires and oxygen deficient atmospheres to happen.
Also, to control the amount and the rate at which gas is released.

2. Predict what would happen if the valve on a full tank of compressed gas were suddenly
opened all the way or if the full tank were punctured.

If the valve on a full tank of compressed gas were suddenly opened all the way or
if the full tank were punctured, the gas would rush out from the tank which can transform
into a dangerous, uncontrolled projectile that leads to massive destructions of properties.