Gas

Description

1) A state of matter in which the molecules move freely and randomly. The molecules rapidly expand to fill the volume of any container. Gases mix freely with other gases. They can be liquefied by increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. The most abundant gases are Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Carbon dioxide.

2) A flammable, gas-phase fuel, such as Propane or Acetylene.

Synonyms and Related Terms

gases (pl.); Gas (Deut.); gaz (Fr.); gás (Port.)

Hazards and Safety

Cautions (see McCann, 1979 for additional details):

- Asphyxiating gases, such as acetylene, nitrogen, propane or carbon dioxide, can buildup in a confined spaces and displace oxygen.

- Poisonous gases, such as hydrogen fluoride, phosgene, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, ozone, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide may be generated during processes such as acid etching, arc welding and kiln firing.

Additional Information

M.McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York, 1979.

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979

• Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996

• Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976

• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000