How Do You Spell FIXED AIR?

Pronunciation: [fˈɪkst ˈe͡ə] (IPA)

The term "fixed air" refers to a gas composed of carbon dioxide that does not support combustion. The spelling of this term can be explained by its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription: /fɪkst ɛr/. This represents the pronunciation of "fixed" with a short "i" vowel sound, followed by a voiceless velar fricative (the "x" sound) and a voiceless alveolar plosive ("t"). The second syllable, "air," is pronounced with a short "e" vowel sound and a voiced alveolar approximant ("r").

FIXED AIR Meaning and Definition

1. Fixed air, also known as carbon dioxide, is a colorless, odorless gas compound composed of carbon and oxygen molecules. It is denoted by the chemical formula CO2, where one carbon atom is bonded with two oxygen atoms through covalent bonds. This gas is mostly generated through natural processes such as respiration, volcanic activity, and the decomposition of organic matter.

   Fixed air got its name due to its properties in contrast to "rarefied air" or oxygen. Unlike oxygen, fixed air is denser and does not support combustion or sustain life. It is often referred to as "fixed" due to its inability to be transformed into a liquid or solid state at normal atmospheric conditions.

   Fixed air plays a significant role in many natural and industrial processes. In the natural world, plants utilize carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, converting it into oxygen and organic compounds that serve as food. Additionally, it plays a vital role in the greenhouse effect, contributing to the heat-trapping capacity of the Earth's atmosphere.

   Industrial applications of fixed air include its use as a coolant, fire extinguisher, and in carbonated beverages. It is also utilized in various manufacturing processes, such as the production of dry ice, an extremely cold solid form of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, fixed air is a byproduct of many industries, including power plants and manufacturing facilities, and efforts are being made to capture and store it to reduce its impact on climate change.

2. Carbon dioxide.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for FIXED AIR

• fixed amr
• fixed ahr
• fixed ai2
• fixed aib
• fixed aiz
• fixed aiv
• fixed aip
• fixed ais
• fixedeir
• fixedheir
• f ixed air
• fi xed air
• fix ed air
• fixe d air
• fixed a ir
• fixed ai r

Etymology of FIXED AIR

The term "fixed air" originated in the 18th century and was a name given to what is now known as carbon dioxide. The etymology of the term can be traced back to the time when the nature of gases was not well understood. During this period, chemists and scientists believed that there were various types of "airs" or gases that were responsible for different phenomena.

The term "fixed" was used to describe a gas that had been trapped or fixed within a solid substance. Carbon dioxide gas was commonly observed when certain substances like limestone or burning organic matter were heated. The gas appeared to be fixed or trapped within these substances, hence the name "fixed air" was given to carbon dioxide.

This terminology was eventually replaced as the understanding of gases developed and more accurate scientific terms were introduced. However, the term "fixed air" continues to have historical significance in the context of the early study of gases.