Types of Gas

Gas is a formless state of matter that does not fit into the category of a liquid or solid. Compared to both liquids and solids, gases has low density levels and consists of a collection of particles.

Most of the time, gas is invisible to the naked eye, and gas carries magnetic particles. The only way to harness it is in an enclosed state. The nature of gas can be altered by pressure and temperature, with some gases being more easily flammable and reactive than others. Some gases can be compressed into liquids so that they may be portable and used for purposes such as heating and cooking.

Some gases appear on the periodic table of elements in order to help classify them and compare their behaviors. The type of air we breath, oxygen, is a kind of gas. In fact, it occurs more than any other gas on Earth, and is the third most abundant gas in the universe, followed by hydrogen and helium. Gases can be chemical substances, or pure substances, meaning they cannot be broken down. Gases can also be chemical compounds, meaning it consists of two or more elements. Here we will look at some of the different types of gas, include their place on the periodic table of elements and their chemical symbols.

Oxygen (O)

Oxygen is the source of life for animals, plants and people. It has an atomic number of 8 and in its purest form,  can be extracted and used for medical purposes.It was first discovered independently by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1772 and English chemist Josephy Priestly in 1774.

Helium (He)

Helium is the most abundant gas in the universe and has an atomic number of 2 on the periodic table of elements. This type of gas is made up of two electrons orbiting a nucleus. Helium is nonflammable and is colorless, and does not mix well with other gases. It was discovered by French astronomer PIerre Janssen during a total; solar eclipse.

Hydrogen (H)

This type of gas is the most frequently occurring element in the universe. It is a chemical element that is represented by the number 1 on the periodic table of elements. Hydrogen is highly flammable and is lighter than air. In fact, it is the lightest gas in the universe and is not easy to harness. Hydrogen is rarely found in the Earth's atmosphere, but can be created. Hydrogen was first discovered by English chemist and physicist Henry Cavendish in 1766. It contains three times the energy of natural gas, while it produces only water as an emission.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

This type of gas is chemical compound. This type of gas is non-flammable, odorless and colorless. Carbon dioxide is found in the air, and is heavier than oxygen. Its used in sodas and beers to make them carbonated or fizzy. It was first scientifically observed in the 17th century by Flemish chemist Jan Baptist van Helmont. In its solid form, carbon dioxides is known as dry ice. Carbon dioxide is one of the main components of green house gases and its use has continued to rise with industrialization.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide, a chemical compound, is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. In certain doses, it is possible for the gas to negatively affect humans, even causing death. It had been used by Ancient Greeks and Romans for executions, and was first scientifically observed by Spanish scientist Arnold of Villanova in the 14th century. This type of gas comes from fuels that have no completely burned and may leak from heating sources such as chimneys and furnaces or kerosene and gas heaters and stoves.

Neon (Ne)

This type of gas is a chemical element represented by the atomic number 10. It was discovered in 1898 by British chemists Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers. Neon is found commonly in the universe, though is rare on Earth. It is used commercially and is taken from the air. It gives off a reddish-orange glow and is used to light lamps and discharge tubes. To make neon signs, a current of electricity is run through a tube filled with the gas.

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen was discovered in 1772 by Scottish chemist and physician Daniel Rutherford. This type of gas is a chemical element has the atomic number of 7. It is colorless, tasteless and odorless and occurs in all living organisms and can be made liquid. It's used in its liquid form, which is extremely cold, in order to preserve items for medical uses.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

A chemical compound that is colorless, sulfur dioxide has an irritating odor. It's found in all raw materials such as coal, ore and crude oil. Because it is anti-microbial, it's often used in preserving foods such as wine, to prevent spoilage.

Methane (CH4)

This type of gas is chemical compound that is flammable, colorless and odorless. It was discovered by Italian physicist Alessandro Volta in 1776. Methane is an abundant gas, is nontoxic, and has a clean burning process. It is used for heating purposes and is the main component of natural gas. The decomposition of animals and plants produces methane gas.

This type of gas is a chemical element that is represented by the atomic number 36 on the periodic table. It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that occurs in very small amounts in the atmosphere. It is used for lighting and photography. Krypton was discovered in 1898 by Scottish chemist Sir William Ramsay and English chemist Morris Travers.

Chlorine

A pale-yellow gas with a strong smell, chlorine is a strong oxidant and is used commonly to disinfect and clean. For example, it is frequently used in pools to kill bacteria. Chlorine is an inflammable chemical element and has the number 17 on the periodic table of elements. This type of gas was discovered by Swedish scientist Carl William Scheele in 1774.