which solution formed only by gases
A solution made up entirely of gases is called a gas mixture or a gas-phase solution. Unlike liquid or solid solutions, which consist of a dissolved solute in a solvent, a gas mixture is a combination of different gases uniformly distributed in a specific ratio.
To understand how gas mixtures are formed, it is important to grasp the concept of partial pressure. Partial pressure refers to the pressure exerted by each individual gas in a mixture if it occupied the same volume alone. In a gas mixture, the total pressure is the sum of the partial pressures of each gas present.
Gas mixtures are formed through various methods, including:
1. Diffusion: When two or more gases are introduced into a container, they will naturally mix and distribute themselves uniformly due to their random movement known as diffusion. Over time, a homogeneous gas mixture will be formed.
2. Compression: Gases can be combined by compressing them together in a closed container. This allows them to mix at the molecular level, forming a gas mixture.
3. Chemical reactions: Certain chemical reactions produce gaseous products. For example, the combustion of hydrocarbons (such as gasoline) produces carbon dioxide and water vapor, which can combine to form a gas mixture.
4. Evaporation: When a volatile liquid evaporates, it turns into a gas and combines with other gases present in the environment. This can create a gas mixture.
Gas mixtures have numerous applications in various fields, such as in the medical and industrial sectors. Some common examples of gas mixtures include air (a combination of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and trace gases), natural gas (a mixture of methane, ethane, propane, and other hydrocarbons), and various industrial gas mixtures used in manufacturing processes.