What is the density of SF6 gas compared to air?

The density of SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) gas is indeed significantly greater than that of air. In fact, the molecular weight of SF6 is approximately 146 g/mol, while the average molecular weight of air is about 29 g/mol. When comparing these values, SF6 is roughly five times denser than air.

This high density is due to the structure and composition of SF6, which contains six fluorine atoms bonded to a single sulfur atom. As a result of this combination, it has a much heavier molecular weight compared to the lighter gases that make up air, such as nitrogen and oxygen.

Understanding the properties of gases and their densities is crucial in various applications, including industrial uses of SF6 and its behavior in different environmental conditions. The distinction in density is important for predicting how SF6 will move through air or interact with other gases.