Gases In The Atmosphere

Question 1

Explain the fractional distillation of liquid air.

Answer 1

This is done to produce pure oxygen and liquid nitrogen. The sir is cooled to below -200 degrees Celsius and fed into a fractional distillation column. Nitrogen is separated from oxygen and argon and further distillation takes place to produce pure oxygen and argon. Liquid oxygen boils at -185 degrees Celsius and nitrogen boils at -190 degrees Celsius.

Question 2

How much of the atmosphere is nitrogen and how much is oxygen?

Answer 2

Four fifths is nitrogen and one fifth is oxygen.