In comparison to air, how much heavier is chlorine?

Chlorine gas is approximately 2.5 times heavier than air. This density is significant in understanding how chlorine behaves in the atmosphere and its implications for safety and handling.

Air is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, with an average molecular weight of around 29 g/mol. Chlorine, on the other hand, has a molecular weight of approximately 70.9 g/mol. When comparing the two weights, chlorine's greater molecular weight indicates that it is indeed much heavier than air, leading to its tendency to accumulate in low-lying areas if released.

Understanding the comparative weight of chlorine to air is crucial for water distribution professionals, particularly in scenarios involving chlorine disinfection and leak management. Proper precautions must be taken given its density which can create hazardous situations if not carefully monitored.