[TheForge] Argon-CO2 mix question

[xlch58 at swbell.net]

Bruce Freeman wrote:
> Stratifying by density will only occur before the
> gases mix.  Once mixed, they stay mixed.  They can be
> un-mixed only by applying "work" (in the Physics
> sense).
>
>   
This ought to be pretty intuitive, given the fact that it if gases 
readily stratified by density, we would all be breathing water saturated 
nitrogen or oxygen exclusively and there would be no clouds.  Instead we 
all breath a mix of argon,nitrogen,oxygen and even really light stuff 
like helium.  In fact, up at 30,000 feet, it is still pretty much the 
same mix,  you have to get higher than  300,000 feet to see any 
stratification. 

Charles