How does the density of ozone gas compare to air?

Ozone gas is heavier than air. This is an important fact to understand in the context of odor control and air quality management. The molecular weight of ozone (O3) is approximately 48 g/mol, while the average molecular weight of air, which is primarily comprised of nitrogen (N2, about 78% of air) and oxygen (O2, about 21% of air), is around 29 g/mol.

The greater density of ozone compared to air means that in environments where ozone is used for odor control, it tends to settle or accumulate closer to the ground rather than disperse evenly throughout the air. This has practical implications for its application in remediation and sanitization processes, as sufficient care must be taken to ensure that ozone reaches the intended areas effectively. Understanding this characteristic aids technicians in planning for effective odor removal and ensuring safe use of ozone in different environments.