How can CO2 be concentrating in the upper atmosphere if CO2 is heavier than air ?

Question

Wouldn’t it just accumulate on the ground and asphyxiate us ?

In: Physics

Answer 1

It isn’t. Where do you get that idea. The concentration is pretty constant throughout all layers of the atmosphere.

It doesn’t accumulate because gases (over time) tend to mix and equate in partial pressure throughout a vessel. A mixture of gases isn’t like a mixture of oil and water – it doesn’t separate. It is something like mixing milk and coffee.